London goes electric programme

The paper briefly describes the responsibilities and functions of United Kingdom Government Departments concerned with transportation, energy and industry and then goes on to discuss the overall balance of energy production and utilisation for transportation needs. The present United Kingdom situation regarding the development and market potential for various electric vehicle types is reviewed and development and demonstration programmes covering vehicles and components that are being supported by Government are described. Special emphasis is given to the London Electric Delivery Van Assessment Scheme and some preliminary results are given. Finally the paper considers some of the problems and choices that will face those concerned with road transport in future years.