Changes to driver licensing rules will make it easier for van drivers to switch to low emission technology vehicles, the government announced. Van drivers will be able to operate heavier alternative fuel vehicles, including Autogas, without having to apply for a new licence, as part of moves to improve air quality in towns and cities across the country. The reforms are a step towards the government’s aim for nearly all cars and vans on the roads to be zero emission by 2050.

Currently, a motorist with an ordinary category B licence for a car can drive a van weighing up to 3,500kg. Cleaner vans are generally heavier than conventional diesel vans because of the fuel equipment they carry. This reduces the amount of goods they can carry or means van drivers have to apply for a category C licence with the associated costs and medical report requirements. Now the Department for Transport has published plans to allow motorists to drive vans weighing up to 4,250kg if they are powered by LPG, natural gas, hydrogen or electricity.

“Vans have become essential to our economy and are vital for our builders, small businesses and delivery drivers. We have more of them on our roads than ever before. That’s a good sign for the economy, but our challenge is to try to tackle their impact on air quality. We want to make it easier for businesses to opt for cleaner vehicles, and these proposals are designed to do just that,” said Transport Minister Jesse Norman.

According to the government, road traffic estimates show there has been a rapid rise in light goods vehicle traffic over the last 20 years, in part powered by the growth in internet shopping. In 2016 vans clocked up 49.1 billion vehicle miles – an increase of 23% when compared with 2006. Vans spend much of their time driving around towns and cities and over 96% of them are diesel powered so making them greener is essential for people’s health and the environment. If you want to know more, please visit this link.