Written question asked by Greg Smith (Conservative) on Monday, 8 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 June 2026 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Thursday, 11 June 2026. A substantive answer was provided by Keir Mather (Labour) on Monday, 22 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Roads: Standards

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2026 to Question 5611, what assessment her Department has made of the comparative impact of (a) electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) and (b) diesel heavy goods vehicles on road wear and tear.

Answer

While we have not undertaken a specific assessment of this effect, we are actively considering the implications of introducing zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), including the potential for additional road wear.

Zero emission HGVs are subject to the same regulations setting out vehicle weight and dimensions limits as HGVs with internal combustion engines. While battery electric HGVs are currently slightly heavier than those with internal combustion engines, as battery technologies improve over time, we expect this weight difference to reduce.

To support the maintenance of local roads and highway networks, the Department is providing a record £7.3 billion over the next four years to local highway authorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7512
Session: 2026-27
Related items: Roads: Standards
Thursday, 4 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Large goods vehicles Standards Roads
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Roads: Standards

Secondary information

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