England’s major cities must rapidly increase their adoption of zero-emission buses (ZEBs) if ambitious net zero targets are going to be met, Urban Transport Group (UTG) has said.

The body, which represents local transport authorities, believes that around 15,000 buses will need to become zero emissions – which include electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles – by 2036.

According to government statistics, there were 16,500 buses operating in London and the metropolitan areas at the end of March 2023, but just 1,200 (7%) of these are ZEBs, with the vast majority (1,000) in the capital. Just 100 ZEBs were found to be operating elsewhere in England.

The manufacturers of the buses were interviewed for a new report in an effort to understand how the government can help boost their production. They called for a firm end date to be given for the sale of new, non-zero-emission buses, in order to give manufacturers more long-term confidence.

“This date must be proportional and be accompanied by long...