The plans, which include making eco driver training for Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) drivers a mandatory part of the EU Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC), aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the freight sector.
The consultation, which will be open for around 16 weeks, sets out the options that will enable 90% of lorry drivers to receive eco-driver training. Additionally, there are plans to promote the benefits of eco-driving training to encourage greater take up.
The measures also complement Department for Transport’s commitment to save an additional 85 million tonnes of CO2 from domestic transport from 2018-2022.
Paul Clark, transport minister of the UK, said: ”We are absolutely committed to reducing emissions from across the transport sector. Given that 20% of all transport emissions come from road freight, these drivers must be a priority. With initiatives like this I am confident we will succeed in creating a greener and cleaner industry fit to meet the environmental challenges we face.”