The Labour government has unveiled a major new policy to accelerate the UK's transition to a greener economy, targeting one of the most significant sources of transport emissions.
A New Ban for Heavy Goods Vehicles
Following the already confirmed ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, ministers have now set their sights on the freight sector. The government plans to outlaw the sale of new petrol and diesel lorries from 2040 as part of its renewed push for net zero emissions. The proposals mandate that all new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) sold from that date must be fully electric.
In a move that narrows the options for the haulage industry, ministers have explicitly rejected the use of low-carbon or synthetic fuels as alternative pathways for HGVs. This positions battery-electric technology as the sole approved future for new lorry sales.
Industry and Political Reaction
The announcement has sparked immediate criticism from opposition figures and industry representatives, who highlight practical and economic concerns.
Richard Holden, the Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary, launched a strong attack on the plan. He argued that forcing haulage firms to scrap functional lorries prematurely would drive up costs across the economy. "Those costs will be passed straight through supply chains into higher prices in shops, higher construction costs, and more pressure on inflation," he stated. Holden criticised the approach as "central planning with a delivery charge" that risks harming the British economy.
Chris Ashley, a policy lead at the Road Haulage Association (RHA), emphasised the practical hurdles. "We're clear that the decarbonisation transition hinges on two key issues being addressed - infrastructure in place to power zero emission HGVs, and vehicle affordability," he said. The RHA has called for the government's consultation to produce a "realistic and viable" pathway for the UK's lorry and coach fleet.
The Road Ahead to 2040
The proposed 2040 deadline sets a clear, long-term direction for manufacturers and logistics companies, but leaves significant questions unanswered. The success of the policy will depend on massive investment in nationwide charging infrastructure capable of supporting heavy vehicles, alongside advances in battery technology to ensure range and efficiency meet commercial demands.
With the freight sector being a backbone of UK supply chains, the transition to electric HGVs will be closely watched by businesses and consumers alike, all of whom will be sensitive to any potential impact on costs and delivery reliability.
