In September of 2018, the UK decided to launch low emission green vehicles that have green number plates. These plates were rolled out so that people with green vehicles could wear them as a "badge of honour," and to promote clean vans, cars, and taxis.
Which Cars Get These Plates?
Vans, Cars, and taxis that emit less than 75g of CO2/km can be given green registration plates. There is a hope that if others see these plates, it will encourage others to buy and drive Electric Vehicles (EV), ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV) and Plug-In Hybrids. Cars like these are still low despite the impending climate emergency. Still, the market for these cars has been increasing steadily from 4.2% to 5.5% in under a year.
There are talks about putting green number plates on buses or other vehicles that offer carpooling. These plates will also eventually give people access to specific driving lanes.
UK and Green Revolution
"The UK has a proud history of leading the world in technological advances, and that is no different for ultra-low emission vehicles." said Chris Grayling, Secretary of Transport, "Adding a green badge of honour to these new clean vehicles is a brilliant way of helping increase awareness of their growing popularity in the UK, and might just encourage people to think about how one could fit into their own travel routine."
Pollution and the problems that arise for it are one of the UK's top priority, as the UN has dictated that climate change will become irreversible in the next 11 years. This isn't all the UK is doing for the Green Revolution. The city of London has even banned petrol and diesel cars on certain streets and implemented Clean Air Zones in big cities.
Why Green Plates are Important
The UK parliament has recognized climate change as a real threat, and one of the many reasons the planet is being affected by this is due to transportation. Putting green plates on low emission vehicles could encourage others to get a car that doesn't use petrol or diesel.
"Green plates would be more noticeable to road users, and this increased attraction can help normalize the idea of clean vehicles, highlighting the changing social norms around vehicle ownership." Behavioural Insights Team, Elisabeth Costa stated. Often times, when others see something different, others will be encouraged to do the same, especially if it's for a good social cause.
Having something that allows drivers to see a low emission vehicle at first glance could be enough to switch others to use cleaner options, but likely lowering the cost of these vehicles will do more to ensure UK citizens will adopt these changes. Green could also be a confusing colour for some countries, as they would represent something different than low emissions.
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