Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Bus Retrofit Performance Report

12 September 2024 · Department for Transport

Proposed by Louise Haigh Lab Sheffield Heeley

EnvironmentTransport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The government has concluded that bus retrofit SCR technology has not met expected emission reduction targets.
  • Permanent funding for retrofit programs will end, and the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme will be closed.
  • Bus operators must improve monitoring and maintenance of retrofitted buses, with live performance data required for accreditation.

Issue summary

The statement provides an update on the performance of bus retrofit SCR technology and concludes that it has not met expected emission reduction targets.

Action requested

I am announcing a permanent end to further government funding for retrofit programs and the closure of the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme. We will work with bus operators to improve monitoring and maintenance of retrofitted buses, requiring live data on performance as a condition for remaining accredited.

Key facts

  • Trials between 2013-2015 found SCR technology to reduce NOX emissions by around 90%.
  • £64m allocated from the Clean Bus Technology Fund and £31m provided to local authorities between 2017-2019.
  • The Government paused funding for bus retrofits in April 2023 while research was carried out, which concluded with a report released in November 2023.
  • Real-world performance of bus retrofit SCR technology shows an average 11% NOX reduction overall compared to non-retrofitted Euro V buses.
  • The Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme will close to further accreditations.
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