Potential Plan to Electrify the M180

CPRE Committee members recently attended a consultation event to explore the issues around the planned £20m DfT zero emission road freight trials along the M180 in North Lincolnshire.

Government plans are being implemented by the Electric Roads Consortium. They are investigating a combination of electrifying motorways (using overhead wires like those used to power trams and trolley buses) and high-powered static chargers, to enable the heaviest HGVs making long distance trips to switch from fossil fuels.

Informed by successful trials in Sweden and Germany, the initial aim is to electrify the M180 in North Lincolnshire and install an HGV charging network across the region by 2025. The consortium of businesses involved with the project will be led by Costain and will also include Siemens Mobility, Scania and SPL, who have been involved with similar trials in Europe.

Sue Kershaw, managing director for transportation at Costain, said: “This study is another important step towards understanding how industry could work together to tackle one of the largest carbon emission producers in the country and create a cleaner, greener and more efficient road freight network across the UK.”

CPRE members explored the impact on the landscape, the impact on diversionary routes (A18) and the potential opportunities and benefits for local communities and nature of the ambitious scheme.