Green plates for green cars: Britain boosts zero-emission transport

(Reuters, 16 Jun 2020) Distinctive new number plates could help drivers access cheaper parking and emissions charge exemptions.

Britain will introduce a distinctive number plate for electric cars later this year to promote cleaner vehicles, the transport secretary said on Tuesday, as the country targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The new plates, which will carry a bright green stripe down one side, will help authorities identify electric vehicles, making it easier for their drivers to access incentives such as cheaper parking and exemptions from emissions charges.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the initiative would raise awareness of cleaner vehicles and show Britons "a greener transport future is within our grasp".

"A green recovery is key to helping us achieve our net-zero carbon commitments while also promoting economic growth," he said in a statement.

Additionally, the government has allocated 12 million pounds ($15.17 million) to fund research into zero-emission technology, including developing greener vehicles and improving existing car battery charging technology.

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Reuters, 16 Jun 2020: Green plates for green cars: Britain boosts zero-emission transport