The Government will lead by example by driving green using low emission vehicles including Hybrids plug-in and battery only cars for public sector vehicles. This includes police and postal services and political transport. It forms a part of a £100 million initiative, which it is hoped will then role out in Local Councils throughout the UK.

The West Midlands may benefit as Landrover, LDV and Modec are among companies being targeted to tender bids to produce zero or low emission vehicles to supply Councils and public sector bodies. Tax payers’ money will not only be helping support this significant environmental issue but is also set to provide a much needed boost for employment in the region. Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds Newcastle and Gateshead will be the first to bring out the green public sector vehicles. The hope is that these will be the first of many in the UK and that other countries will follow suit.

To back up this commitment to cleaner driving a further £30 million is earmarked for electric vehicle research, production technology and public promotional schemes that will encourage the UK public to also move across to low carbon emission transport.

Green Peace has hailed this move as ‘Very encouraging’ and is urging the government to sustain this commitment. Anita Goldsmith pointed out that: ‘If ministers get this right then Britain’s ailing car industry could become the trailblazer in this technology, creating thousands of jobs and exporting zero emissions cars to developing countries.’

The environmentally friendly car manufacturer NICE (No Internal Combustion Engine) have also voiced their support. They have published five incentives to convert people who may still be sceptical about the merits of Electric Transport.

1. Lower running costs ñ about one fifteenth of a standard petrol or diesel car.
2. No Road tax ñ zero emission cars such as those produced by NICE are exempt.
3. Electric cars are London Congestion Charge Exempt, saving up to £2,000 a year for people living and working in London.
4. Certain London Boroughs are bringing out free parking as an incentive to use electric cars ñ other area especially in the major cities could follow suit.
5. Other areas are bringing out free re-charging points and more recharging points throughout their boroughs.

In challenging economic times such sustainable policies could prove to be winners all across the board.

Source material from the sites below.
More information available from the following sites:

www​.ens​-newswire​.com
www​.brandrepublic​.com
www​.businessgreen​.com
www​.birminghampost​.net
www​.themanufacturer​.com

Image courtesy of: www​.green​-car​-guide​.com
Image shows a white van posing the question: “When will your white van turn green?”