Member

I would first like to explain the history to this instrument. In 2018, when the original licence flexibility was introduced, the alternative fuels that were in scope were electricity, hydrogen, gas and biogas. E-fuels and synthetic fuels have never been included in this flexibility, as they do not require an additional weight allowance, since they use the same types of engines as petrol and diesel vehicles. This instrument now proposes to remove gas and biogas fuels from scope, as they are not zero- emission. Additionally, Department for Transport statistics show that there are fewer than 30 gas and biogas vehicles in this weight range in the United Kingdom. Removing these vehicles from scope will therefore have a very minor impact. Gas, biogas, e-fuel and synthetic fuel-powered vehicles may continue to be driven by a category B licence holder up to 3.5 tonnes. Electricity and hydrogen remain included in this legislation, as the implementation of these technologies means that they are often heavier due to the weight of their battery or fuel.