Experienced CEO, NED and advisor in Transport and Energy engineering, policy and consultancy - Founder & Director at AREQuest Ltd - formerly CEO at Zemo partnership
For Road Transport Technology the Time for Talking is over. One of the primary purposes, and indeed the best parts, of my previous role was the work across multiples stakeholders to develop consensus on the directions and policies we should take in road transport. Another key aspect I enjoyed was the ‘apolitical’ nature of the support we saw to move transport to low or even zero carbon technologies. Conversely one the biggest frustration was doing great work with great people across industry, users and the civil service, which was then shelved or procrastinated over. The sign of a great leader in my view, is one who embraces and acts on good ideas from wherever they emanate. So it was encouraging to see the manifesto commitment to return to the original (hard fought) 2030/35 car and van commitments (albeit some detailed terms may have been confused). But there is a plethora of other policies, strategies and consultations for which both a huge amount of work has already been done, and I suspect, the teams within the DfT have conclusions and actions, dare I say, “oven ready”. Whilst too often these papers are seen as products of a previous administration or incumbent, in reality they represent the hard work, detailed discussion and consensus between industry, the civil service and civil society. For a new government setting out its stall to encourage economic stability and an industrial strategy for growth, rapidly declaring the “mission targets” for future technology will send a clear message of intent to those vitally important markets. In transport we have a decarbonisation plan which defines the pathway needed and the trajectory of policy work. However, focus has predominantly targeted the technology transition aspects with the critical behavioural challenges largely ignored (or even in areas, reversed by a narrow focus on drivers) While we have agreed phase out timing for emitting cars, vans and trucks, we only have the regulatory structure defined for light vehicles and up to 2030, despite much work having been done to set the requirement for SZEC (Significant Zero Emission Capability) (read PHEV) for 2030-35. Consultations were also conducted on phase out dates for Buses and Coaches, L-Category (motorcycles etc) and on a long term strategy for Low Carbon Fuels, all in 2022. But now, over 2 yrs later, no outcomes have been published and we know investors hate a policy vacuum. Given the long ‘to do’ list facing an incoming minister and that significant work will be needed on transport behaviour and the legislative requirements of any regulation, I propose the ‘first 20 days’ (100 is too long imho) is spent dusting off the hard work already done and publishing the targets for vehicles & fuels for the next two decades. The technology we will be using is already established and in many cases, in service, so lets make our ambitions clear for all to see and get stuck into the delivery detail rather than debating the direction any more.
Nick Allen
9mo
Fully agree Andy. On the transport and logistics side, despite the tough trading environment, there is a realisation of the need and a hunger for action. What is key is that the new government supports the necessary building blocks, including the critical energy infrastructure. Along with the 'oven ready' (brave of you!) conclusions and actions, the industry bodies are keen to engage. May the next 20, 50 and 100 days bring reql change.
I could never agree more, Andy Eastlake, and I would add that the Time for Action is Now! The key to sustainable fleets lies in bringing future business models to the present for fleet owners and managers, ensuring economic viability, with government regulating a Transport ETS and bonus-malus mechanisms to drive the shift: -Embrace zero-emission technologies and implement clear, actionable policies. -Fleet managers should prioritize EVs and sustainable fuels, leveraging existing advancements for rapid decarbonization. -Drop-in sustainable fuels should replace fossil fuels in the current network where appropriate. -O&G processes and logistics should transform into H2 & renewable energy -Pilot Ecosystems (and green corridors ) as market Living labs to adjust policies and infrastructure development to actual market development. Let's focus on practical steps to make our transportation future clean and efficient, let's Bring The Future of Sustainable Mobility Closer
Rick Mihelic
9mo
New players like to re-brand and re-invent to take ownership and credit. Insightful leadership can sometimes jump past this step and accept value-added work of others.
The man who came back to the cold and owner of #eDonkeyfication - Mr Fridge
9moWe need to see them deliver the final approaches to decarbonize the transport refrigeration sector and to phase out diesel and to phase out HFC-HFO gases. All the hard work to collect the information is already in place we need to have that final concenus that the UK should be leading the world on these areas. Not watching the EU and the USA take the lead in regulations and also innovations. #eDonkeyfication