From the autumn all newly registered electric cars will be given a number plate with a distinctive green rectangle to the left of the letters and numbers. The idea is a neat and easy way to distinguish electric cars from regular petrol and diesel vehicles.
This scheme was originally announced by UK Transport Secretary, Grant Schapps, back in June as part of a £1.5 billion drive to stimulate the economy by accelerating zero emission motoring. The Department of Transport believe the new plates will make it quicker and easier for local authorities to identify emission-free electric cars in areas likes London’s Ultra Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Drivers with electric cars may also benefit from reduced parking rates in some areas, as well as the ability to drive in bus lanes without risking a fine. The green plate is said to make life simpler for all involved, and is part of the Department for Transport’s Road to Zero strategy where the government hope to see low emissions from at least half of all car sales by 2030.
At present electric cars account for one in 20 new cars registered in 2020 but this figure is rising all the time. With demand up by whopping 175 percent this year it reinforces that the future on the roads is electric.
The exact date for the release of the new ‘green flash’ number plate hasn’t been released but the Department of Transport has said it will happen this autumn.
UK Transport Secretary, Grant Schapps, said: “A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net-zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth. Green number plates could unlock a number of incentives for drivers and increase awareness of cleaner vehicles on our roads, showing people that a greener transport future is within our grasp.”
