In Spring 2020, the Department for Transport announced green number plates would be rolled out for the UK. New green number plates have been introduced for electric cars, as part of the government’s plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. From 2035, all-electric vehicles will be the only type of vehicle sold in the UK, and the introduction of green number plates is a part of a government initiative to promote a zero-emission future.
Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “Not only will green number plates raise awareness of the increasing number of cleaner vehicles on our roads, but they could also unlock a number of incentives for drivers. It’s clear there has never been a better time to make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle.
The number plates are still white and yellow but will also have a distinctive green strip, rather than being completely green and can bring owners of zero-emission vehicles great benefits. Whilst it has been questioned is these are legal number plates; it is safe to say they defiantly are! In a further boost to the environment, the plates are also 99% recyclable and are more environmentally friendly than traditional acrylic plates.
Drivers will be encouraged to make the switch to electric vehicles through the introduction of green number plates. The government states that these plates will make it easier for cars to be identified as zero emission vehicles, helping local authorities design, and put in place new policies to incentivise people to own and drive them.
For example, drivers could benefit from initiatives such as free parking and cost-free entry into zero-emission zones where those with a green number plate will be recognised as eligible. It is worth noting that Electric Vehicles do already gain access to such benefits, and it is not required to have a new green number plate for ev’s in order to do so.
You can order green number plates at your local garage or motor retailers. To further accelerate the government’s plans to drive a green recovery, £12 million funding for ground-breaking research into the zero-emission market has also been announced to develop greener vehicles and help improve vehicle charging technology.