The government must ensure fleets receive adequate support so they can benefit from investment in new zero emission vehicle technology, the AA has said.
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced a £106 million government funding boost for research and development of low emission vehicle technology, along with industry investment of more than £500 million and the creation of 1,000 jobs.
The AA said it welcomed the investment, though warned that the pace of change could leave some fleet managers behind.
AA director of business services Jennie Hill said: “The prime minister’s announcement is very welcome, particularly in light of recent carbon emissions targets for the UK.
“The AA has long been a supporter of the adoption of low-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles, and we continue to support the government in its drive to build a Midlands-based manufacturing centre for low emission technologies.
“However, we would like to see the creation of more initiatives to help fleets adopt the new technologies that will be developed from the government’s latest investment.”
Hill said a key problem was a lack of financial support for small and medium-sized businesses to go green.
She added: “Until this is implemented, new and greener technologies are in danger of passing them by.
“New legislation, such as clean air zones, will be expensive for fleet managers unless they upgrade their fleets.”