New regulations are set to permit the use of hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers, and forklifts on roads throughout Great Britain, excluding Northern Ireland. The consultation period will span four weeks, concluding on April 24th, 2024.
Since 2017, hydrogen-fuelled cars, vans, buses, and trucks have been authorised for road use. However, non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) was omitted from the amendment to the Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations 1986, commonly referred to as C&U.
In February 2023, JCB secured special dispensation from the Department for Transport to conduct tests on its hydrogen-powered machinery, specifically a backhoe loader, on public highways.
The government is committed to promoting cleaner alternatives to diesel fuel. While battery electric power is suitable for smaller construction machinery, hydrogen is widely acknowledged as the most promising clean alternative for larger machines, provided that the necessary refuelling infrastructure can be established.
Nevertheless, the existing prohibition on hydrogen-fuelled NRMM from travelling on roads between sites poses a significant obstacle to progress in decarbonising the construction industry.
Anthony Browne, the Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation, commented: “Permitting hydrogen-powered tractors, diggers, and forklifts to utilise our roads is a pragmatic step towards reducing emissions. These proposals are integral to our strategy to decarbonise transport in the UK, with skilled jobs in British companies facilitating the widespread adoption of this cutting-edge hydrogen technology, thereby making it more accessible and commonplace.”
