Tag: Department for Transport

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 1 September 2025.

Passengers can sign up for digital rail ticket trials on East Midlands Rail and Northern trains.

Passengers across the East Midlands can now benefit from simpler and more flexible tickets, with the launch of new digital trials.

From today (1 September 2025), rail passengers travelling between Leicester, Derby and Nottingham will be able to take part in these trials, with more taking place in conjunction with Northern Trains in Yorkshire from the end of September.

The digital ticketing trials will allow passengers to check in and check out seamlessly on rail journeys, using a location-identifying app on their phone. The app will track journeys using GPS (Global Positioning System) technology and then automatically charge passengers the best fare at the end of the day. For ticket inspections and to go through ticket barriers, a unique bar code will pop up in the app to be scanned.

This technology replaces the need for paper tickets or more commonly used mobile tickets using QR codes bought online or in-app ahead of your journey. Doing away with the need to plan and book journeys in advance, the app tracks your journey and determines which trains you took, detecting when you’ve left the rail network.

Up to 4,000 passengers can take part in these trials by simply signing up via the relevant train operator’s website, taking advantage of simpler and more flexible train travel, and a guarantee of the best value fare on the day.

This technology has already been tested widely in Switzerland, Denmark and Scotland, however, this marks the first time these trials are being brought to England’s rail network.

This demonstrates the government’s commitment to boosting passenger experience and trialling innovative technology to encourage more people to choose rail. By saving both time and money on thousands of journeys, digital ticketing will help improve living standards and make working people better off – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said:

The railway ticketing system is far too complicated and long overdue an upgrade to bring it into the 21st century. Through these trials, we’re doing just that and making buying tickets more convenient, more accessible and more flexible. By putting passenger experience at the heart of our decision making, we’re modernising fares and ticketing and making it simpler and easier for people to choose rail.

Through our Plan for Change, we’re delivering growth in every corner of the country and passengers across the Midlands and North will see real change in buying their train travel from today.

Oli Cox, Head of Commercial Strategy and Business Planning at East Midlands Railway, said:

We’re delighted to announce the launch of our digital pay-as-you-go trial. We’ve had a fantastic response from customers keen to take part – with more than 500 people registering their interest so far.

We know that complex fares can be a real barrier to travel, but this trial removes that uncertainty, making it easy to simply tap in and out on your phone, safe in the knowledge you’re always getting the best-value fare on the day.

It is exciting to be one of the first train operating companies to trial this new technology, and we’re looking forward to hearing from customers as they start using the app to travel between Derby, Nottingham and Leicester in the months ahead. There is still time for customers to sign up and try it for themselves and anyone interested should visit our website for more details.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:

Since I first stood to be Mayor, it’s been my ambition to introduce integrated, tap on and off ticketing technology across the region. I’m, therefore, very pleased to see this first step towards simpler and more flexible train tickets being trialled by East Midlands Rail.

It’s important to me that residents have automatic access to the best value for money when travelling. I urge anyone who uses this line regularly to register their interest and give it a go.

With full public transport responsibilities being devolved to me in 2026, I look forward to hearing the feedback from East Midlands Rail and working together in the future to make easier journeys possible for everyone in the East Midlands.

From the end of September, thousands more passengers will be able to take advantage of the simplified ticketing, with trials running on Northern services to Harrogate, Leeds, Sheffield, Doncaster and Barnsley.

Northern passengers are already moving to modern ticketing, with January figures showing Northern hit a monthly average of almost 78% usage of mobile tickets and reached a single-day high of 89%. In June last year, Northern reported the growing preference for mobile tickets amongst its passengers had led to a reduction of 2.3 million orange ‘magstripe’ tickets across the previous 12 months.

Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director, Northern, said:

These trials mark an important step forward in simplifying rail travel and making the experience as frictionless as possible for our customers.

By trialling digital pay-as-you-go technology on some of our routes, we’re helping to shape a future where hopping on a train is as easy as tapping in and out. We thank the customers who have registered to participate in the trials on our routes later this year and we hope more will come forward to play their part in modernising how people travel by rail in the North.

Backed by nearly £1 million of government funding, the trials are part of plans to modernise our transport system, putting passenger experience at the heart of every journey and encouraging more people to take the train – building on the government’s mission to deliver growth.

The government is delivering the biggest overhaul of the railways in a generation through the creation of Great British Railways, which will help to deliver better and more reliable services for passengers.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 23 August 2025.

Families can continue to travel to dozens of popular destinations for no more than £3 for a single fare.

Families across the country can enjoy cheaper days out this summer, thanks to the government’s continued support for affordable travel through the £3 bus fare cap – making it easier than ever to reach top attractions without breaking the bank.

From seaside escapes to countryside adventures, the capped fare means families can travel to dozens of popular destinations for no more than £3 for a single fare on thousands of routes, opening up access to opportunities, boosting local economies and driving regional growth in towns, cities and rural communities.

Whether it’s exploring museums, getting out into nature, or enjoying coastal days out, the extended cap – backed by continued investment in the recent Spending Review – ensures that great days out remain affordable for all and puts money back in people’s pockets as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Some of the destinations families can reach for no more than £3 per each single fare include Alton Towers, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Warwick Castle, West Midlands Safari Park and the National Space Centre.

Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood, said:

Whether it’s a trip to the seaside, a day out at a museum, or just visiting friends, we want people to get out and enjoy everything their area has to offer – without worrying about the cost.

That’s why we’ve kept the £3 fare cap in place and why we’re investing in better, more reliable buses across the country. It’s about making travel simpler, cheaper and better for everyone, driving growth and access to opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.

The fare cap is just one part of the government’s commitment to fixing buses. The incoming Bus Services Bill will reform the sector – putting buses back at the heart of local communities by giving local leaders the powers to overhaul how services operate and prevent vital routes from being scrapped.

Better buses are central to the government’s Plan for Change – connecting communities, strengthening the local economy and boosting access to jobs. The Bus Services Bill comes alongside the government providing over £1 billion this financial year to improve the reliability and frequency of bus services across the country, and confirming multi-year funding to maintain and improve buses long-term.

Sabrina de Carvalho, managing director of Merlin’s UK operations, added:

We see an increasing number of guests travelling to Merlin’s UK attractions by public transport and we always encourage them to leave the car at home – where they can – and make use of sustainable travel options when having memorable days out.

With bus fares continuing to be capped at £3, I have no doubt that more and more visitors will reach our entertainment destinations using this affordable mode of transport. Information about public transport options, including bus routes, is made available on our attraction websites.

Alison Edwards, director of policy and external relations at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said:

Bus operators are ready for one of their busiest weekends of the year up and down the country this August Bank Holiday. With warm and dry weather forecast across most of the country, as many as 20 million journeys are likely to be taken by bus over the long weekend as people take the opportunity for an affordable day out.

Bus travel is enjoying a revival nationwide with journeys up steadily year-on-year, which is great news for communities, for tourist destinations and for the economy.

VisitEngland CEO, Patricia Yates, said:

England’s first-class attractions, from our world-renowned museums, art galleries and historic houses to our parks and gardens, remain vitally important to our tourism offer to both international and domestic visitors. By reducing the cost of public transport to these destinations, we’re removing barriers whilst supporting greener travel choices.

Our research shows people will be out exploring this weekend. I encourage you to get out and discover England’s fine attractions. Not only will you be giving our great attractions a much-needed boost, I know you will enjoy a fantastic day out with family and friends creating memories of a lifetime.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 20 August 2025.

DVLA announces new policies for registering repaired, restored and modified vehicles that will come into effect from Tuesday 26 August.

DVLA has today (20 August) unveiled a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles.

The new guidance reflects modern restoration methods and simplifies the registration process, helping classic car owners keep their vehicles on the road while ensuring safety and accurate records.

These changes follow an extensive call for evidence, which received more than 1,350 responses from classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle sector. In response, DVLA is replacing its existing policies on rebuilt and radically altered vehicles with 2 new sets of guidance that will apply to all vehicles, regardless of age.

Key changes include:

• like-for-like repairs and restorations will no longer require notification to DVLA, providing the vehicle’s appearance is the same as when it was originally manufactured and there are no changes to the log book (V5C)
• vehicles that have been subject to significant structural modifications will be able to keep their original Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and registration number, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes
• vehicles that have been converted to electric will also be able to retain their original identity, but the registered keeper must notify DVLA of the changes

Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, said:

We know how much love, time and effort goes into keeping classic cars – and we’re right behind the community.

These changes are about cutting red tape and making life easier for enthusiasts, whether you’re restoring a vintage gem or converting it to electric. It’s all about celebrating the UK’s amazing motoring heritage and helping the industry thrive well into the future.

DVLA Chief Executive, Tim Moss, said:

We recognise the time, passion and care that keepers of classic vehicles invest in keeping their cars on the road. That’s why we’ve worked closely with the community to shape these changes.

These updated policies support historic vehicle keepers, and the wider industry, with clearer registration processes that reflect modern restoration and modification practices, helping safeguard the UK’s rich and wonderful automotive history. These changes will allow enthusiasts to focus on what they love most: preserving and enjoying these remarkable vehicles.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 18 August 2025.

Plug-in van and truck grant extended to at least 2027.

Thousands of drivers and businesses across the country are set to benefit from lower prices as the government has today (18 August 2025) confirmed vital funding to support the uptake of electric vans and trucks.

The plug-in van and truck grant currently offers discounts up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks, and £25,000 for large trucks, and the Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has confirmed the grant will continue through to at least 2027. Grant levels for the 2026 to 2027 financial year will be confirmed in due course.

By switching to electric, businesses could save more than £2,800 annually on fuel alone according to industry figures. This support is helping companies cut costs, expand sustainable operations, and build stronger supply chains, helping to drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

The UK logistics sector – which employs 1.2 million people and generates over £79 billion annually for the economy – will benefit from this smoother transition, creating jobs and business opportunities whilst helping keep the UK on track to becoming a clean energy superpower.

Individual drivers can also benefit from the grant, making it cheaper to buy an electric van and putting money back into their pockets.

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said:

Extending these grants is another decisive step to power Britain’s transition to cleaner transport while backing the industries that keep our economy moving, driving new investment in EVs and helping businesses cut costs and expand.

Every EV on our roads means healthier communities and new economic opportunities across the country, which is why grants like these are crucial to both accelerating that transition and building a resilient, competitive economy.

Commercial transport is responsible for more than a third of CO2 emissions on UK roads meaning it is crucial businesses are supported in make the transition to electric, building a cleaner future for businesses communities across the UK.

The grant extension gives fleet operators, ranging from major logistics firms to smaller independent businesses, the certainty they need to confidently plan their electric vehicle purchases. This builds on the government’s ongoing commitment to help businesses save money and get the charging infrastructure they need to make the switch to electric, after £30 million investment was announced in July to install over 3,000 new chargepoints at depots across the UK.

With over 1.4 million EVs already on UK roads, more than 83,800 public charging points available and over 100,000 more on the way through the £381 million Local EV Infrastructure fund alone – as well as the new Electric Car Grant offering record discounts of up to £3,750 off the price of new EVs – the government is backing British businesses and families to go electric by reducing costs and in turn helping to boost economic growth.

John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager at Amazon, said:

We welcome the government’s continued commitment to supporting the electrification of commercial fleets. Decarbonising the transportation network is a critical step to enable us to achieve our goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040.

Checkatrade CEO Jambu Palaniappan:

This news is a big boost for tradespeople across the UK. Lower running costs, freedom from charges like ULEZ, and the ability to plan ahead with confidence – it all adds up to real, practical support. For many Checkatrade members, with help to switch to electric vans, they can keep moving, win more work, and build a future that’s both cost-effective and sustainable.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 9 August 2025.

The Electric Car Grant will make owning an electric car cheaper and easier for people across the UK.

Drivers across the country can save £1,500 on some of the UK’s most popular car brands from today (9 August 2025) as Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall models join Citroën in the government’s flagship Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme.

Thirteen more electric vehicles (EVs) have been declared eligible under the scheme, bringing the total to 17 models announced this week. The boost is part of the government’s £650 million scheme, which makes it cheaper and easier to own an EV, putting money back in working people’s pockets, while supporting jobs and growth as part of the Plan for Change.

In total, the government is investing £4.5 billion to turbocharge the switch to EVs, securing the UK’s position as a world-leader in EV adoption – with Britain Europe’s largest EV market in 2024 and sales up almost a third so far this year.

The discounts are applied automatically at the point of sale with no paperwork required from customers. Capped at cars costing up to £37,000 to target support at the most affordable options, more models are expected to be approved in the coming weeks as manufacturers’ applications are assessed against the scheme’s sustainability standards.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

With discounts on 17 car models announced this week alone, we’re delivering on our promise to make it easier and cheaper for families to go electric.

This is about backing drivers, putting money back into people’s pockets and creating the jobs and growth that will drive Britain forward, delivering on our Plan for Change.

The new eligible models announced today are:

• Renault Alpine A290 = £1,500 discount
• Renault Megane = £1,500 discount
• Renault 4 = £1,500 discount
• Renault 5 = £1,500 discount
• Renault Scenic = £1,500 discount
• Nissan Micra = £1,500 discount
• Nissan Ariya = £1,500 discount (available from 13 August 2025)
• Vauxhall Corsa Electric = £1,500 discount
• Vauxhall Combo Life Electric = £1,500 discount
• Vauxhall Astra Electric = £1,500 discount
• Vauxhall Mokka Electric = £1,500 discount
• Vauxhall Frontera Electric = £1,500 discount
• Vauxhall Grandland Electric = £1,500 discount

These join the following Citroën models announced as eligible for the grant earlier this week:

• Citroën ë-C3 = £1,500 discount
• Citroën ë-C4 = £1,500 discount
• Citroën ë-C5 = £1,500 discount
• Citroën ë-Berlingo = £1,500 discount

RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said:

Another wave of cars qualifying for the government’s revamped Electric Car Grant is yet more welcome news. It’s also very positive to see other manufacturers that don’t meet the grant’s green production targets lowering their prices.

Those looking to make the switch now have a wider choice of better value vehicles than ever before. This can only help speed up the transition to electric motoring.

The ECG is part of a £4.5 billion investment from the government to turbocharge electric vehicle adoption, whilst boosting industry and driving growth as part of the Plan for Change. With upfront costs often cited as a barrier to buying EVs, the discounts are designed to bring down the price of models so they more closely match their petrol and diesel counterparts.

With more than 82,000 public chargepoints now available – that’s one added every half an hour – and over 100,000 on the way in the coming years, the government is building the infrastructure drivers need to make the switch with confidence.

John Veichmanis, CEO at Carwow Group, said:

The confirmation that more affordable, practical EVs have been approved for the Electric Car Grant is exactly what the market needs. Data from Carwow’s platform shows that buyers are ready to act, demand for EVs under £37,000 jumped 124% in the week following the scheme’s announcement. Interest in already-approved models has surged, and we expect these newly added vehicles to draw immediate attention.

Car-buying decisions don’t happen overnight, they often take months, so early clarity on eligible models is crucial. By lowering upfront costs, the grant plays a pivotal role in turning EV curiosity into commitment.

Furthermore, to help power the switch to electric vehicles, the latest £63 million charging package also included funding to make it easier for motorists to charge at home and run their EVs for as little as 2p per mile.

Working closely with industry, the Department for Transport is making the discounts available to drivers quickly, with guidance published to help manufacturers apply as easily as possible.

James Taylor, managing director, Nissan Motor GB, said:

The government’s flagship scheme is a clear signal to both customers and manufacturers that they are prioritising the uptake of electric vehicles in the UK and on providing affordable options to consumers.

Nissan has always been an electric vehicle pioneer and this announcement is an exciting step in the UK’s electrification journey. Micra and Ariya are first and we have 3 new EVs on their way, including the all-electric British-built LEAF, which will go on sale later this year.

Steve Catlin, managing director, Vauxhall, said:

Vauxhall has been committed to electrifying Britain for years and offers some of the most popular electric cars on UK roads.  We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant for every electric model in the Vauxhall line-up – including those manufactured here at our Ellesmere Port plant – and hope this will enable more British motorists to enjoy the benefits of switching to electric.

Adam Wood, managing director, Renault UK, said:

We very much welcome the support of the government’s Electric Car Grant. Renault continues to invest in bringing more and more accessible electric vehicles to market as part of our mission to democratise EV ownership.

The availability of the ECG across our entire electric car range has potential to significantly accelerate this, ensuring customers benefit from greater value and giving them the confidence that it’s time to switch to electric.

This comes alongside the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero emission vehicles each year. Recent changes to the mandate provide industry with the certainty and stability they have been asking for, alongside crucial trade deals with the US, India and the European Union supporting the UK’s automotive sector and protecting jobs.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 5 August 2025.

Completed upgrades to Church Fenton to York rail line will bring passengers faster trains and more reliable services.

Thousands of passengers are now one step closer to faster, more frequent and reliable trains across the North, as the electrification of the Church Fenton to York rail line is completed today (5 August 2025), part of the £11 billion government-funded Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU).

Faster trains will cut journey times between York and Manchester by 10 minutes and Manchester and Leeds from 50 minutes to 42 minutes, with up to 6 fast services an hour – making it easier for people to get to work, do business and travel across the region.

These upgrades will bring passengers faster trains, whilst a new signalling system and bridge upgrades will make trains more reliable and allow more services to run.

Extensive station improvements along the route will also improve accessibility and facilities at the busiest stations across the North.

During a visit to the region to see completed and ongoing work, the Secretary of State, Heidi Alexander, became one of the first people to enjoy the new electrified line, travelling from Leeds to York.

This upgrade is set to create over 5,000 jobs, support the development of 6,500 new homes and unlock commercial space across the North – driving economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

It comes as part of wider efforts across government to invest in the vital infrastructure the country needs to rebuild Britain and unlock growth across every region.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

Today is a moment of celebration for a project that will transform train travel for millions of passengers across the North. More reliable, efficient trains are now running on 25% of the full TransPennine route.

We are delivering on our Plan for Change by upgrading rail links across the North – slashing journey times between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds and York.

Electrification between Church Fenton and York was delivered on time and on budget, this government is investing in ambitious projects and seeing them through, delivering change in areas that desperately need it.

This upgrade is about opportunity, not just by expanding and improving people’s travel options, but by creating more than 5,000 new jobs and supporting 6,500 new homes, kickstarting economic growth in the areas that need it most.

Today’s upgrade will enable electric TransPennine Express (TPE) trains to run from Manchester Victoria to Stalybridge and Church Fenton to York – electrifying both ends of the route.

The government is improving employment opportunities across the country, 85% of the Transpennine Route Upgrade workforce is employed within a 40-mile radius of the route, putting more money in the pockets of local people and helping local businesses expand their reach across the North, giving them the confidence to realise their full potential.

New communities will be supported by these new travel options, station redevelopments at York Central and Ravensthorpe will regenerate local areas and provide opportunity for 2,500 homes to be built, alongside one million square feet of commercial space and 18 acres of parkland in York and 4,000 homes at Ravensthorpe.

James Richardson, Managing Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade, said:

Electric trains running between York and Church Fenton is a significant step forward in the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme.

We have reached a key milestone, as 25% of the route is now electrified, enabling greener, faster, and more reliable journeys between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester in the future. The improvements are already bringing economic and social benefits along the route and wider communities across the North.

It was fantastic to celebrate this with the TRU team today, who have brought together all parts of the rail industry to deliver this success. We remain committed to delivering this transformative programme on time and on budget.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

It’s fantastic to see how the Transpennine Route Upgrade is delivering real improvements for passengers in Yorkshire.

This project, which is currently on time and on budget, will provide more frequent, faster and greener trains, as well as a highly-skilled workforce for future transport projects.

Investment in our rail network helps create new jobs, open up opportunities and unlock much-needed housing as we build a better-connected region that works for all.

The trains will be greener too, as works completed today between York and Church Fenton contribute to the programme’s aim of saving 108,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said:

For too long, public transport in York and North Yorkshire hasn’t worked well enough. That’s why the completion of the electrified line between Church Fenton and York is such a vital milestone, with a quarter of the route upgrade now complete.

The government’s commitment to connecting people to opportunities through faster, greener, and more reliable rail journeys is incredibly welcome. This crucial part of the £11 billion Transpennine Route Upgrade unlocks opportunities for jobs and regeneration across the region. It’s the kind of investment we need to build the transport system the North deserves.

Steve Plumstead, Director of Curriculum at Kirklees College, said:

Kirklees College, alongside partners Flannery Plant Hire and Kirklees Council, is proud to support the Transpennine Route Upgrade through the new Kirklees Operator Skills Hub.

This facility has allowed adult learners in Huddersfield and surrounding areas to gain vital plant machinery operation skills that directly support the skills needed to implement the Transpeninne Route Upgrade.

Kirklees College will be extending learning opportunities at the Hub to young people in September and we are excited to be empowering local people with the training required to support the work of the TRU.

Kevin Cowap, Commercial and Operations Director at COWAP, said:

COWAP is thrilled to play a key role in the transformative Transpennine Route Upgrade, delivering high-quality steel fabrication and civil engineering solutions.

This landmark project has been a springboard for growth, enabling us to scale our operations and invest in specialist fabrication machinery, plant equipment and a highly skilled workforce. We’ve also secured essential industry accreditations to reinforce our commitment to excellence.

As part of our long-term vision, we are developing a new site facility in the Dewsbury area, further strengthening our capacity to support the project and beyond. These strategic investments position COWAP at the forefront of infrastructure innovation, ready to deliver outstanding service across every phase of the upgrade.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 5 August 2025.

The Electric Car Grant will make owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK.

Drivers across the UK can save £1,500 on new electric vehicles, with the first eligible models confirmed today (5 August 2025), as government makes owning an EV cheaper and easier for thousands of people.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has confirmed buyers can enjoy discounts of £1,500 off 4 Citroën models – the Citroën ë-C3, ë–C4, ë-C5 and the ë-Berlingo – from today. The discount will be automatically applied in the purchase of the vehicle and customers do not need to complete any paperwork.

The 4 models are the first to be approved for the discounts under the government’s new £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme – which will continue to knock money off the price of new electric cars as more models are approved in the coming days and weeks.

The ECG offers carmakers the chance to apply discounts at the point of sale for new eligible EVs which are measured against the highest manufacturing sustainability standards.

The grant will help carmakers boost their sales, creating jobs and driving investment in the face of global economic headwinds, with £650 million of government funding available until the 2028 to 2029 financial year.

The approval of the first 4 models come as over 17,300 public chargepoints have been added to the UK network since July 2024 – a 27% increase on the year.

With more than 82,000 public chargepoints now available, one chargepoint added every half an hour, and over 100,000 on the way in the coming years, the government is building the infrastructure drivers need to make the switch with confidence, while supporting jobs and saving people money to deliver the Plan for Change.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

With the first four models approved today and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we’re making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK.

Once again we’re delivering our Plan for Change by standing firmly on the side of motorists and manufacturers, driving down costs for consumers, supporting jobs and putting money back in people’s pockets.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director, Citroën UK

We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant and are delighted to be the first to have our electric range, including the New ë-C3, New ë-C4, New ë -C5 Aircross and ë-Berlingo, approved and eligible. At Citroën we want everyone to have the opportunity to make the switch to an electric car and this support will help make our cars more accessible for our customers.

RAC Head of Policy, Simon Williams said:

It’s great to see the first qualifying models announced for the government’s new Electric Car Grant. Not only does this mean more drivers will benefit from the lower cost of running an electric vehicle, but it’s hopefully the sign of more to come from other manufacturers in the weeks ahead. With nearly 1.6 million battery electric vehicles on the road already, it’s a real boost for the switch to electric.

With many drivers citing upfront costs as a key barrier to buying an EV, the discounts will bring down the price of electric cars to more closely match their petrol and diesel counterparts. Drivers can also save up to £1,500 a year in fuel and running costs when switching to an EV.

The move follows the department’s £63 million package to boost charging infrastructure across the UK, including by making it easier to charge at home for people without a driveway. This will help drivers charge on their home electricity rates and run their EV for as little as 2p a mile – that’s London to Birmingham for £2.50.

The new Electric Car Grant, which opened to applications from manufacturers last month with discounts of up to £3,750 available, is the latest in a series of moves showing the government is on the side of British drivers. The grant follows a record £1.6 billion invested to tackle potholes and fuel duty frozen at 5p until spring 2026, saving the average motorist on average £59 a year.

The government is working closely with the industry to make the discounts available to drivers quickly, with new guidance published by the Department for Transport to help manufacturers apply as easily as possible.

In total, the government is investing £4.5 billion to turbocharge the switch to EVs, securing the UK’s position as a world-leader in electric vehicle adoption – with Britain the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and sales up a fifth on the previous year – while helping put more money in people’s pockets.

This latest move comes alongside the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero emission vehicles each year. Recent changes to the mandate give industry the certainty, stability and support they’ve been asking for, alongside crucial trade deals with the US, India and the European Union to support the UK’s automotive sector and protect jobs following the recent global economic headwinds.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 24 July 2025.

News follows last week’s announcement that drivers will soon enjoy discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars.

Electric car drivers and those looking to make the switch can get around with the confidence chargepoints are always close by, as more than 17,000 have been added to the UK network in the past year alone.

Today (24 July 2025), Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, confirmed the number of chargepoints in the UK has grown by 27% in the past year, with 17,370 added since July 2024.

The rapid growth in figures – particularly in the north-east, East of England and the West Midlands – means drivers can embark on their journeys with the peace of mind that public chargepoints are a short drive away.

The new chargepoint numbers follow last week’s announcement that drivers will soon enjoy discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars, on top of a £25 million boost to help more drivers charge at home and save up to £1,500 a year when switching to electric.

Drivers will start to benefit from discounts as soon as manufacturers successfully apply for their zero emission cars, with the scheme open to firms now and funding available until the 2028 to 2029 financial year.

The government is investing £4.5 billion to make it cheaper and easier to own an EV, while backing British carmakers to create jobs and drive investment – all part of the Plan for Change. This is securing the UK’s position as a world-leader in electric vehicle adoption – with Britain the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and sales up a fifth on the previous year – while helping put more money in people’s pockets.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:

Just last week, we announced record discounts to help make EV ownership a reality for thousands more people, alongside making it easier to charge at home so more drivers can run their EV for as little as 2p a mile – that’s London to Birmingham for £2.50.

Today’s chargepoint figures show that alongside lowering upfront costs, we’re also making fantastic progress towards expanding our charging network across the UK. With a new chargepoint added to the network every half an hour, we’re helping put range anxiety firmly in the rear-view mirror.

The sustained growth in the charging network in all 4 corners of the country shows government is firmly on the side of drivers, coming on top of a record £1.6 billion to tackle potholes and keeping the 5p fuel duty freeze until spring 2026, saving the average motorist between £50 and £60 a year.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 24 July 2025.

Funding will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.

Coastal communities across the UK are to benefit from £30 million funding to decarbonise shipping and power up local economies the Maritime Minister will announce today (24 July 2025) during a visit to Clydeport in Glasgow.

Awarded from the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), successful companies will be given a share of funding to support the development of clean maritime fuels and technologies such as ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, solar and electric.

Investment in green fuels not only supports the decarbonisation of shipping, helping cement the UK as a clean energy superpower, it also revitalises coastal communities by growing local economies and boosting jobs and skills.

CMDC has provided over £136 million funding to date to 142 organisations, as part of the wider UK SHORE funding – the government’s flagship programme dedicated to decarbonising maritime – for over 300 organisations, including 250 SMEs. Successful projects include the installation of electric chargepoint networks across ports, including at Aberdeen, the demonstration of an electric crew transfer vessel at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, and the demonstration of a green hydrogen shore power system at the port of Leith.

Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:

It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower.

We’ve charted a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and this £30 million will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.

During his visit to Clydeport, the minister will meet with workers from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, which is looking to help Smart Green Shipping scale up the manufacturing of the FastRig windsail going forward. Built nearby in Glasgow, the FastRig is a high-tech wing sail which can be installed onto vessels, reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 40% per annum. The project received £3.3 million from the third round of the CMDC and has now been successfully deployed at sea.

Chris Courtney, CEO, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland said:

Clean maritime is a vital part of a wider mission to decarbonise transport. Advanced manufacturing is critical to enable companies to scale up novel solutions that deliver emissions reductions and allow the creation of new jobs in these industries of the future.

We’ve spent the past 2 years working on the CMDC-funded MariLight projects, led by Glasgow-based Malin Marine Consultants, part of the Malin Group, supported by industry partners, where we demonstrated how advanced manufacturing can cut lead times, lower carbon, and enable localised production in shipbuilding. It’s great to see continued momentum through the programme, and we look forward to supporting Smart Green Shipping’s journey as it scales.

Diane Gilpin, Smart Green Shipping (SGS), CEO said:

CMDC3 support enabled SGS, a Scottish based business, to demonstrate the safety and robustness of FastRig, our Clyde built wingsails, and to build out our digital decision-making platform, FastReach, which underpins our unique wind-as-a-service proposition.

Over the last 3 years SGS has invested £7.6 million in R&D, 60% of that in Scotland. We’ve drawn upon engineering design skills in adjacent sectors like renewables and oil and gas, and digital expertise created in Scotland’s vibrant tech community. We are also working alongside the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland to design circular manufacturing solutions to reduce embedded emissions and minimise use of precious materials while creating good green jobs as part of a sustainable just transition.

The minister will meet with Peel Ports and local workers at Clydeport’s King George V Docks. Delivering £3 million of investment to support the growing demand for handling huge wind turbine components for the renewable energy sector, Clydeport is keeping Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage and manufacturing expertise alive, equipping it to meet the modern-day needs of the sector.

Jim McSporran, Port Director at Peel Ports Clydeport, said:

We’re proud to welcome the Maritime Minister to Peel Ports Clydeport today and showcase how our facilities continue to create opportunities for investment, jobs and skills that will benefit the people and businesses of Scotland.

Our recent £3 million investment in road infrastructure at King George V Dock to accommodate growing demand for handling wind turbine components, and our ongoing transformative work at Hunterston PARC in Ayrshire to support the renewables sector, demonstrate our commitment to decarbonising supply chains and enabling the transition to a greener economy.

It’s fantastic to see government and industry working together to back innovation and today’s visit reinforces how Glasgow’s maritime legacy is helping to drive the UK’s clean energy future.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director, Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

Congratulations to the awarded projects from Round 6 of the Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition – a great opportunity for UK innovators to take part in a world-renowned maritime transport R&D grant funding programme. Innovate UK looks forward to working with partners to support these projects focused on the ever-more prevalent issue of decarbonisation with emphasis on a range of physical, digital, system and skills-based innovation.

Building on its commitment to clean up shipping and deliver on the UK’s climate ambitions, UK SHORE is also delivering £3.85 million to the Clean Maritime Research Hub. Formed from a consortium of 13 universities across the UK, dedicated to conducting scientific research in clean maritime, the funding will enable the hub to continue its important research, and support the installation of a liquid hydrogen facility at Durham University. The centre will develop the maritime sector’s understanding of the potential impact of liquid hydrogen – which is emission free – in the clean maritime transition.

The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 22 July 2025.

Winning 17 companies will share £63 million to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and support 1,400 jobs in the UK.

Passengers are a step closer to greener flights as the Aviation Minister today (22 July 2025) announced the 17 cutting-edge UK companies that will share £63 million to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

The boost will support around 1,400 jobs and secure Britain’s position as the global leader in the green aviation market – critical to provide the clean fuel that’s essential to realise sustainable growth in the aviation sector.

Today’s investment means government has provided £198 million to date through the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) to scale up cleaner aviation technologies. Creating a clean aviation ecosystem will help power the next generation of airport infrastructure and capacity scale up, kickstarting economic growth and delivering the UK’s clean energy superpower ambitions to deliver on the Plan for Change.

Low carbon fuel production could add up to £5 billion to the economy by 2050, position the UK as a global hub for SAF production and enable the UK to go further and faster with expansion plans.

Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:

This £63 million is lift off for Britain’s green aviation revolution. We’re not just backing brilliant British innovation, we’re creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and positioning the UK at the forefront of the global sustainable aviation market.

From the labs of Sheffield to the runways of the future – this is how we kickstart economic growth, secure energy independence and make Britain a clean energy superpower.

SAF is an alternative to fossil jet fuel which reduces greenhouse gas emissions on average by 70% on a lifecycle basis, from feedstock to biofuel, making it the key technology that will allow UK aviation to grow capacity while achieving net zero commitments.

The SAF Bill will help secure the future of the aviation sector by boosting green fuel production in the UK and delivering cleaner flights. This bill will give investors the confidence to back sustainable aviation fuel production. It will help grow the sector, providing good green jobs and enabling the delivery of carbon savings.

Announcing the new funding at the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre – which just received £1.5 million in this latest round – the Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, saw firsthand the groundbreaking work on aircraft engine testbeds and revolutionary aviation fuels.

Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian, Managing Director of the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre, who is leading the project, said:

It is fantastic to see the University of Sheffield playing a leading role in the development of sustainable aviation fuel and supporting the aviation industry in its efforts to reduce its emissions. At Sheffield, we have some of the most advanced SAF research facilities in Europe and are excited to work with partners from the industry to help them test and develop new fuels and next generation clean energy technologies.

The AFF winners include a range of companies and are spread across the country, such as OXCCU Tech, which is developing a demonstration plant at Oxford Airport, to LanzaJet, which is building a commercial-scale plant in Teesside.

Andrew Symes, CEO and Co-Founder of OXCCU, said:

Support from the Advanced Fuels Fund is a key step in scaling our technology. This funding enables the detailed design and construction of OX2, our demonstration plant launching in 2026, and builds on the successful delivery of OX1. It brings us closer to producing lower-cost, lower-carbon aviation fuel and supports the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in SAF production.

Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, said:

We’re proud that Project Speedbird, developed in partnership with British Airways, has been recognised by the Department for Transport as part of its continued commitment to advancing SAF in the UK.

This support demonstrates confidence in LanzaJet’s technology and the critical role ethanol-to-SAF can play in delivering economic growth, creating jobs and decarbonising air travel. Project Speedbird is vital to building a national SAF industry in the UK and to unlocking opportunity and innovation in the region.

We thank DfT for its leadership and vision in accelerating the transition to net-zero aviation.