Millions of Britons around the UK could be impacted by new driving licence changes launching today, which will change the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles.
The use of zero emission vehicles has grown significantly in recent years as drivers turn their backs on petrol and diesel cars and embrace cleaner motoring.
Under new laws, the Government has recognised the growing interest in driving electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, and boosted support for van drivers.
From today, June 10, motorists with a category B driving licence have received an additional entitlement allowing them to drive an electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 4,250kg.
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From today, June 10, motorists will be able to tow heavier loads if they are driving a zero emission vehicle
PA
To be eligible, the vehicle must be a zero emission vehicle. The MAM limit for petrol and diesel vehicles remains at 3,500kg when driving with a category B licence.
The rules will apply to standard vehicles that can be used with a category B licence, including cars, SUVs, vans and small trucks.
While there won't be any physical changes to the photocard driving licence, the entitlement will apply to motorists with a category B licence.
Any vehicles which use specialist equipment to support disabled passengers can have a MAM of up to 5,000kg, if the extra 750kg is attributable to the equipment.
Zero emission van sales continue to increase as motorists opt for cleaner vehicles
PAMotorists can also drive an electric or hydrogen-powered minibus up to 4,350kg MAM under the new driving licence rules.
The new entitlements will also allow Britons to tow trailers as long as the combination of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 7,000kg.
However, if someone with a category B licence passed their test before January 1, 1997, they can drive a vehicle and trailer combination as heavy as 8,250kg.
The Government states that zero emission vehicles are constructed to the "same high standards" as equivalent internal combustion engine vehicles.
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Despite this, they can "handle differently", prompting drivers to be advised to ensure they are familiar with using their vehicle controls.
Before towing a trailer, they are advised to practice driving the vehicle in a safe and controlled environment, as well as being familiar with the Highway Code.
The uptake of new electric vehicles continues to grow, with the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) providing evidence of this.
In May, almost 33,000 new electric cars were registered, as the popular vehicle type retained a healthy market share of 21.8 per cent.
In comparison, year-on-year, registrations of new petrol cars have fallen 12.5 per cent, while diesel vehicles continue to slump with a 15.5 per cent drop.
The UK's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate outlines that manufacturers must have at least 28 per cent of sales come from battery electric vehicles by the end of the year.
Targets for manufacturers will increase every year, before reaching 80 per cent by the end of the decade. Between 2030 and 2035, no new petrol or diesel vehicles will be allowed for sale, although hybrids will remain on sale. From 2035, only new zero emission vehicles will be on sale.
Last month, 1,655 new electric vans (under 3,500kg) were registered, marking an impressive 7.2 per cent of the market share compared to the previous year.
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