BVRLA Applauds Regulation Change Allowing Category B Licence Holders to Drive Electric and Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles
Key Ideas
- BVRLA welcomes the OZEV regulation change, enabling category B licence holders to drive electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles up to 4,250kg.
- The weight limit for zero emission vehicles has been increased from 3,500kg to 4,250kg, applicable to vehicles designed for carrying up to 8 passengers.
- BVRLA emphasizes the importance of eliminating outdated regulations to facilitate the transition to a cleaner and greener van fleet.
- Government support, regulatory modernization, and addressing charging concerns are crucial for further progress in van fleet decarbonisation.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has expressed its approval of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) regulation change, permitting category B driving licence holders to operate electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles weighing up to 4,250kg. Previously, the weight limit for petrol and diesel vehicles under a category B licence was 3,500kg, with the increase now exclusively granted to zero emission vehicles. This weight extension is applicable to a range of vehicle types typically operated with a category B licence, including cars, SUVs, vans, and small trucks designed for carrying up to 8 passengers. The allowance extends to vehicles equipped with specialist equipment for disabled passengers, permitting a maximum weight of 5,000kg, with the additional 750kg attributed to the specialized gear. Moreover, drivers can now operate electric or hydrogen-powered minibuses up to 4,250kg MAM, or 5,000kg when fitted with specialized equipment for disabled passengers, while also towing a trailer not exceeding 7,000kg in total weight. BVRLA Chief Executive, Toby Poston, lauded the regulation update as a step towards a cleaner and greener van fleet, emphasizing the need to eliminate outdated regulations hindering the industry's progress. Poston highlighted the importance of governmental support, regulatory updates, and addressing charging concerns as crucial factors for advancing van fleet decarbonisation efforts.
Topics
Power
Electric Vehicles
Transportation
Zero-emission
Government Support
Modernization
Fleet Decarbonisation
Regulation Change
Driving Licence
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