Proposals on changes to regulations to support the uptake of zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs) in Northern Ireland

Supporting a strong, competitive and sustainable economy is a central priority of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government (PfG) which sets out a shared commitment to improving wellbeing by supporting a prosperous economy, protecting the environment, and creating safer, more sustainable communities.

My Department, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), contributes to the delivery of this commitment including through its responsibility for transport.  Transport policy has an important role to play in delivering these outcomes, particularly through reducing emissions, supporting businesses, and ensuring our regulatory framework remains fit for purpose. Road safety remains a fundamental priority and underpins all transport policy decisions and is an issue which I, as Minister for Infrastructure, remain committed to addressing.

My Department has in place a driving licence framework which aims to ensure that anyone driving on public roads has the necessary skills, knowledge and competence to do so safely. Different vehicle types present different risks, so licence categories help ensure drivers are appropriately qualified for the vehicles they use.

Current driving licence category requirements, which are based on vehicle weight, can unintentionally create unintended regulatory barriers. In particular zero emission goods vehicles (ZEGVs), are becoming increasing available and capable but current driving licence categories may limit who can drive such vans, due to the additional weight of battery systems, even when drivers have the skills and experience to do so safely.

I recognise that light commercial vehicles are essential to economic activity across the North, enabling businesses and public services to operate efficiently. As the market for ZEGVs continues to develop, it is important that regulation keeps pace with technological change. In 2024 my Department delivered the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme Amendment Order 2024 which demonstrated by Department’s support for reducing vehicle emissions through alternative energy systems for road users.

In response, this consultation seeks views on whether changes to driving licence category requirements could better support the uptake of ZEGVs, while continuing to prioritise road safety. The objective is to ensure that our licensing framework remains proportionate, evidence-based and fit for purpose and helps meet environmental and road safety commitments and priorities without placing unnecessary burdens on drivers or employers and helps to deliver PfG outcomes including improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and safer roads.  

We welcome views from all stakeholders including businesses, drivers, training providers and road safety organisations. Your responses will help inform how we can support the environment and ensure the transport system here in the North is safe, modern and responsive to change and I very much encourage you to provide your view.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins