Transport secretary Grant Shapps to speak at LowCVP conference

Grant Shapps MP, secretary of state for transport, has been announced as the headline speaker at the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) conference, which takes place online on July 15.

The annual conference will discuss how the UK can seize the opportunity for an investment-led green recovery in road transport as the country emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the interactive forum, delegates will be able to vote on specific policy ideas and proposals presented by speakers designed to inform and accelerate the Government's 2020 Transport Decarbonisation Plan.

LowCVP managing director Andy Eastlake said: “This is a critical moment for the road transport sector which has a key part to play in the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

“Decarbonising the sector is one of the biggest challenges we face, but we could be on the verge of major change with the electrification of cars and vans gathering pace and signs of progress – though still many challenges – in larger commercial vehicle and longer-haul applications.

“The Government is consulting right now on the phase-out – by 2035 or earlier - of cars and vans with an internal combustion engine and promises to publish a Transport Decarbonisation Plan by Christmas. We want to be able to show the rest of the world what can be done for CoP26 in Glasgow in November next year.”

In addition to Grant Shapps, speakers include: Sir John Armitt, CBE, chair, National Infrastructure Commission; Caroline Russell, Local Transport spokesperson, Green Party; Dimitri Zenghelis, senior associate, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership; Melanie Lane, chief executive, Shell New Motion; Carlos Rodrigues, managing director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland; and Kevin Chowings, managing director, NatWest Future Mobility Group.

Register your place at the conference.