A new report has said that the UK can cut carbon dioxide emissions generated from road freight movement by establishing an electric road system.

The report by the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight noted that the plan would require an investment of £19.3bn and would involve installing overhead charging cables for electric lorry movement.

The proposal can be achieved by the late 2030s and has the potential to pay for itself within 15 years.

According to a report published in The Guardian, Centre for Sustainable Road Freight is supported by government grants and several other industry partners.

The project, if executed, will involve national electricity grid-powered catenary cables charging electric trucks through an extendable rig, similar to a pantograph used on the top of electric trains.

The electricity will power the lorry, as well as recharge its electric battery, which will be used by the vehicles to travel to remote destinations beyond the electrified network.

The report proposes the roll-out of the plan in three distinct phases.

According to government figures, the road freight sector accounted for nearly 5% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions in 2018.

Battery-powered trucks are already regarded as a viable alternative for shorter hauls.

Currently, establishing an electric road system is being explored as an option to decarbonise long-range freight transportation as the batteries lack power to enable such long distance haulage.

Siemens and truck manufacturer Scania have already conducted tests of e-highway electric road systems in Germany, the US and Sweden, The Guardian added.

In a separate development, the Government of the UK has launched a £2bn programme to boost cycling and walking in the country.

The programme, originally announced in May, will involve creating thousands of miles of new protected bike lanes and providing cycle training to all.

The increase in walking and cycling activities will mitigate road congestion and improve air quality. The step is also expected to help in improving general health.