The consultation, launched jointly with the Energy Saving Trust, sets out proposals on how Powershift funding should be targeted over the next three years to maximise the programme's environmental and health benefits.
Transport Minister Lord Whitty said: “Over the past four years, the Powershift programme has had increasing success
in encouraging the wider supply and use of vehicles powered by cleaner fuels such as gas and electricity. This year the programme is on course to
support the purchase of over 6,000 vehicles – more than three times last year's total.
“I am confident that our proposals, combined with the recent Budget announcements of a further cut in duty on gas fuels and zero vehicle excise duty for electric vehicles, will give industry and transport operators the confidence to continue to invest in clean fuel vehicles and refuelling facilities. I now invite the clean fuel industry, environmental organisations and transport operators to comment on our plans. ”
The Powershift programme is administered on behalf of DETR by the Energy Saving Trust. Started in 1996, it aims to develop a sustainable market for cleaner fuel vehicles, bringing benefits for air quality, noise and climate change. Powershift provides grants towards the additional cost of purchasing new gas (liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas) and electric vehicles that offer air quality benefits over their petrol or diesel equivalents.
To date Powershift has supported the purchase of over 8,000 clean fuel vehicles. The programme will receive a total of 30m in funding from DETR over the next three years.
A copy of the consultation document can be Powershift and the deadline for responses is 30 June 2001.
Register for free to comment