New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations have fallen for the first time in two years, with a -3.9% decline in Q1 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Despite this, 11,068 new HGVs were registered between January and March, only 449 fewer than the same period in 2023, which had the strongest start to a year since the pandemic.

Demand for tractor units, the largest market sector, fell by -16.7%, and tipper uptake declined by -6.3%. However, curtainsiders saw a 23.1% increase, flat lorries rose by 21.6%, and box vans grew by 20.6%. Regional uptake varied, with the Southwest seeing the largest growth at 11.8% with 994 new HGVs. East Anglia had the largest decline, down -26.4% to 457 units. The Southeast remained the largest investor in new heavy vehicles, with 2,351 registrations, despite a -2.7% decline.

Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) registrations reached 0.5% of overall HGV registrations, up from 0.3% the previous year, marking a 56.3% increase in volume. Growth in ZEV uptake remains limited due to low operator confidence and a cumbersome grant system, which results in fewer than half of all ZEV models being eligible. Additionally, the UK has a shortage of dedicated HGV charging points, with only one truck-specific charging station located at the M61 southbound service station. This lack of infrastructure hampers longer-distance operators from adopting greener vehicles.

Reforming the grant system and implementing a national infrastructure plan would facilitate the switch to zero emission HGVs, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by around 19 million tonnes annually.