EV congestion charge will penalise operators, says Logistics UK

Transport for London’s (TfL) consultation on the Congestion Charge recognises the importance of commercial vehicles to the economy by creating a clear distinction between commercial vehicles and domestic road users.

However, Logistics UK's Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation, Chris Yarsley says, the new proposals will still present a significant increase in costs for electric vehicle operators, which currently operate in the capital without facing a charge: “It is vital TfL incentivise operators to decarbonise fleets and we continue to press for the continued exemption from the charge for electric vans and HGVs.  

“Any increase in charges is a disincentive for operators to serve the capital and congestion charges should be used to encourage road users to use alternative modes of transport – an option that is not available to logistics operators.  

“Operators have made significant investments moving to electric vehicles and they simply cannot afford to soak up additional costs so it is likely that any increase in charges will have to be passed on which will ultimately lead to increased prices for the end user.  

“London depends on logistics businesses to keep the capital stocked with everything its businesses and consumers rely on every day, and the transition to alternatively fuelled vehicles should be incentivised, not penalised in this way.” 

Discounts and exemptions for the Congestion Charge can be found here.