Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to support electronic heavy goods vehicles and their infrastructure; and whether their plans include amendments to planning policy as part of the new National Planning Policy Framework.

The Government is supporting the decarbonisation of the heavy goods vehicle (HGV) sector through the Plug-in Truck Grant, which provides a contribution to the upfront purchase costs of zero emission vehicles until at least the end of the current financial year, as well as the up-to-£200m zero emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, which will deploy hundreds of zero emission HGVs and their associated recharging and refuelling sites by March 2026.

The Government also knows planning is key to the roll out of EV charging infrastructure and is working to ensure the system supports installations. The National Planning Policy Framework sets out policies aimed at realising opportunities from changing transport technology. It encourages local authorities to identify appropriate sites for freight and logistics, consider charging needs when shaping parking policies, and ensure new developments are designed to support vehicle charging. The Government remains committed to further planning reform and intends to consult on national policy related to decision making in spring 2025.