Member News – 15 July 2026

15 July 2026

In this issue:

• DEFRA begins SPS implementation planning despite summit delay.
• Electricity Infrastructure Transport Group launched to support transport decarbonisation.
• Applications open for position of Traffic Commissioner (North East) – candidates sought.
• Government publishes its response to the eVED consultation.
• New call for evidence published on Smart Data in transport.
• Integrated transport digital twin fund for local transport authorities.
• Government publishes Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Revenue Certainty Mechanism: Contract Allocation Strategy.
• Reminder Operation Brock now live.
• Businesses sought for Digital Trade Corridors pilots.

Policy updates

DEFRA begins SPS implementation planning despite summit delay

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has confirmed that work to prepare for a future UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement will continue, despite the postponement of the UK-EU Summit that had been scheduled for 22 July. The update follows the most recent meeting of the SPS Agreement Business Advisory Council (BAC) in June, chaired by Baroness Hayman, which Logistics UK attended as a council member. In a subsequent letter to BAC members, DEFRA said negotiations remain at an advanced stage and that the government remains committed to concluding an agreement, with the aim of businesses beginning to realise the benefits from mid-2027.

Furthermore, alongside negotiations DEFRA confirmed that it will “begin informal market engagement to support infrastructure readiness at GB ports for third-country imports” in mid-July, with further details of any support package to be announced in the autumn. The department also intends to publish additional business guidance, further detail on new regulatory requirements and draft statutory instruments later this year to help businesses prepare for implementation.

Logistics UK has consistently argued that the UK grows when it trades and that fixing the friction in UK-EU trade relations is one of the fastest, lowest-cost ways to support trade-led growth. As a member of the SPS Business Advisory Council, Logistics UK will continue to work with government to help ensure a comprehensive SPS Agreement fixes border friction, strengthens supply chain resilience and is implemented in a practical way for businesses moving goods between the UK and the EU.

Electricity Infrastructure Transport Group launched to support transport decarbonisation

The inaugural meeting of the Electricity Infrastructure Transport Group (EIT Group) on 8 July brought together representatives from government, the energy sector and transport industries to strengthen collaboration on the energy infrastructure needed to support transport decarbonisation.

The group was established following advocacy from Logistics UK and others across the sector, recognising the need to align the logistics sector’s decarbonisation trajectory across transport modes with the UK’s strategic energy planning.

The first meeting was addressed by ministers Keir Mather (DfT), Chris McDonald (DBT and DESNZ) and Katie White (DESNZ), alongside representatives from Logistics UK and the wider transport and energy sectors. Key topics included modelling the significant energy requirements of a decarbonised logistics sector and the development of new strategic energy plans by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), including the first full Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESPs), due in 2028. These plans are expected to provide a clearer picture of future electricity demand and infrastructure requirements at both regional and national level.

Applications open for position of Traffic Commissioner (North East) – candidates sought

Following recent changes within the college of Traffic Commissioners, the position of the recently vacant Traffic Commissioner for the North East of England has now been posted on gov.uk and full details can be found here.

Logistics UK would encourage any member who believes they have the skills and competence to sit as a Traffic Commissioner to make an application for the role. The deadline for applications is 23:00 on 4 August 2026.

Government publishes its response to the eVED consultation

The government has published its response to its electric vehicle excise duty (eVED) consultation which was live earlier this year. EVED is the government’s proposed pay per mile charge on electric cars.

Announced in the government response, the eVED will not be delayed and will be rolled out from April 2028. However, the response reflects some changes to the structure based off feedback received during the consultation process. The first change is that the government have removed the need for additional mileage checks for cars under three years old. As a result of this change, there will be greater reliance on estimated mileage. Additionally, the government will begin developing an optional system that uses a vehicle’s built-in connectivity to provide mileage information. Participation will be voluntary, with a simpler user experience for those who opt in.

As a reminder, eVED only applies to UK-registered EV cars, hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), plug-in hybrid cars (PHEVs) and range extender vehicles (REEVs).

Logistics UK’s response to the consultation highlighted that the implementation of the eVED needed to be done right and cautioned any extension of eVED to the much less established electric commercial vehicle market. No plans to extend eVED to electric commercial vehicles have been announced.

Government publishes its response to the eVED consultation

Logistics UK will be responding to a newly launched call for evidence on smart data with a focus on transport, trade and retail. Smart data is defined as the secure sharing of customer or business data with authorised third parties, with permission, to enable new services, competition and innovation. If members would like to feed into Logistics UK’s response, please reach out to Stephanie Haszczyn, Senior Policy Manager.

Integrated transport digital twin fund for local transport authorities

The Department for Transport has made £30 million of grant funding available for local transport authorities and combined authorities in England to develop and test digital twins to enhance transport integration.

A digital twin is a live digital model of a transport network that allows authorities to test, predict and optimise decisions before implementing them in the real world. This new programme will fund between four and six local authority-led trials running to 2030.

The announcement follows the publication of the better connected strategy earlier this year and the 2023 publication of the Transport Digital Twin Vision and Roadmap to 2035.

The ITDT fund provides grant funding to equip local areas with tools to plan, test and manage transport systems more intelligently.

Government publishes Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Revenue Certainty Mechanism: Contract Allocation Strategy

To help decarbonise aviation and strengthen the security of energy supply, the government is seeking to support the development of First-of-a-kind SAF production technologies. To achieve this, the government is delivering a Revenue Certainty Mechanism (RCM) that will give producers and investors the confidence they need to build and scale SAF production plants in the UK. In March 2026, the SAF Bill received Royal Assent, providing the legislative powers required to implement this mechanism.

On 13 July, the Department for Transport published the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Revenue Certainty Mechanism: Contract Allocation Strategy which sets out government’s proposed strategy for allocating contracts under the RCM, including the intended timeline for the first allocation round.

Logistics UK has supported the introduction of a RCM to help establish and grow the domestic SAF industry and welcomes continued engagement on how the mechanism works in practice.

Reminder Operation Brock now live

A reminder that the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum (KMRF) has now deployed Operation Brock to ensure disruption to communities is kept to a minimum in the face of increased traffic on the county’s roads. The Operation Brock contraflow system will be in place on the coastbound M20 between Junctions 8 and 9, with a reduced speed limit, creating dedicated lanes for HGVs to queue. The barrier was installed on Monday 13 July and the M20 will reopen on Tuesday 14 July. The barrier will remain in place until Monday 24 August. Operation Brock allows traffic to use the M20 in both directions through a contraflow system. It also reduces the risk of having to close the Roundhill Tunnel near Folkestone, which can cause disruption on local roads and impact local communities. Permitting will be in place to maximise compliance and keep freight on the M20 and A20.

Members who have drivers travelling through the Short Straits between the above dates are encouraged to have all required documentation ready before arriving at the port. Members should ensure drivers have enough supplies with them, such as food and drinks, as well as allowing extra time to pass through the ports.

Businesses sought for Digital Trade Corridors pilots

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is inviting businesses to take part in the next phase of its government-funded Digital Trade Corridors programme, which aims to make importing and exporting faster, simpler and more secure by replacing paper-intensive processes with digital trade documents.

The next phase will include UK-Europe and UK-Japan pilots, delivered in partnership with HMRC and incorporating customs processes. DBT is particularly interested in businesses with regular import or export flows and document-heavy processes, including SMEs willing to test electronic trade documents with suppliers, customers and logistics partners. Businesses experiencing challenges such as duplicate data entry, paperwork, delays or compliance checks are also encouraged to apply.  DBT says businesses participating in the programme have achieved reductions of up to 90% in paper documents and 50% in administration time per shipment. One SME involved in the programme estimated that streamlined digital processes saved approximately £100 per shipment.

Online workshops explaining how the pilots will work, what participation involves and how to apply will be held on: Thursday 23 July, Wednesday 29 July, Thursday 30 July. Members interested in participating should complete the Digital Trade Corridors Programme expression of interest form and attend one of the workshops.

Logistics UK has consistently argued that the UK grows when it trades, and that fixing unnecessary friction in international trade is one of the fastest, lowest-cost ways to support trade-led growth. Greater use of digital trade documents could reduce duplication, lower administrative costs and make it easier for businesses to move goods across borders.

Quick briefs

MAC closure on 16 July

A reminder that the Member Advice Centre will be closed from 10:30-12:30 on Thursday 16 July for team training. The team will be collating voice and email messages during this period and will process them when we reopen. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service

The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) has published its fortnightly freight crime intelligence bulletin which can be viewed here.

In addition, NaVCIS has published its monthly UK freight crime update report for May 2026, available here.

Ofsted recognises Logistics UK’s expertise as apprenticeship provider

Following an Ofsted inspection, Ofsted’s report recognises the business group’s “expert” tutors, “highly relevant” curriculums and apprentices who are “very well prepared for their jobs and next steps”.

Logistics UK currently offers four apprenticeships: Level 2 Transport Coordinator; Level 3 Heavy Service and Maintenance Technician; Level 3 Transport Supervisor; Level 5 Operations Manager and it will soon be launching ILM Level 5 Principles of Leadership and Management.

Further information on Logistics UK’s apprenticeships can be found here.

M3, J9 upcoming weekend closures

National Highways has shared advance notice of planned weekend closures at Junction 9 of the M3 motorway for the completion of road connections to the new roundabout and bridges.

Please note: when the M3 junction 9 roundabout is closed for the duration of the following three weekends, the M3 motorway will remain open. Only the slip roads leading on and off the junction will be closed.
Summer weekend closures:

• 9pm Friday 31 July to 6am on Monday 3 August.
• 9pm Friday 21 August to 6am on Monday 24 August.
• 9pm Friday 11 September to 6am on Monday 14 September.

Other local road closures:

• Other local roads leading to the junction will also be closed during the summer weekend closures, please visit the M3,J9 scheme website for the latest maps to support the local diversion routes that will impact the A33 / A34.

Long-term closure:

• The M3 junction 9 northbound entry slip road will be closed from 9pm Friday 31 July 2026 until winter 2027 – there will be no access to the M3 northbound from the roundabout during this period.

All subsequent updates can be found on the scheme’s website.

A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project – installation of narrow lanes in July

As part of ongoing works on the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, National Highways has installed average speed cameras on the A66 between M6 junction 40 and Temple Sowerby, with the 40mph speed limit in place.

CCTV cameras are now also covering the route to allow us to monitor traffic and provide free vehicle recovery in our work areas.

Due to the nature of the large-scale construction activities of upgrading the A66, narrow lanes are to be installed to facilitate the forthcoming works happening around Center Parcs (500m west of Center Parcs to Temple Sowerby bypass).

This means there will be a ban on wide loads over 2.9m between M6 junction 40 and Temple Sowerby in both directions, from 20 July 2026 until winter 2030/31.

Alternative routes for wide loads will be via either the A69 or the M62 depending on the starting location of the wide load as shown on the map here.

To install these narrow lanes, National Highways needs to close the A66 overnight from Monday 20 July to Wednesday 22 July inclusive (three nights). These closures will be in both directions between Kemplay roundabout and Temple Sowerby and will be in place from midnight to 6am.

New report launched from CBI and Energy UK, Cutting Business Energy Costs: A Blueprint to Boost Growth

A new report from the CBI and Energy UK has delivered a blueprint for growth to the incoming Prime Minister built on cutting business energy costs.

According to the report, the persistently high energy costs experienced by businesses in the UK are no longer just an energy market problem for the UK – they are an anchor weighing down productivity and competitiveness across the whole economy. The report highlights that four in ten companies are cutting investment due to high energy costs.

Therefore, high businesses energy costs must be addressed as a priority. If the report recommendations are implemented in full, it is estimated that an additional £130 billion in economic activity between 2027 and 2050 would be unlocked.

Energy costs are already impacting Logistics UK members, and addressing the cost of energy in the UK would benefit the logistics sector. Logistics UK continues to support the work of the CBI and Energy UK in highlighting these high costs and will continue to engage with government on this issue.

Support and advice

Photocard licence

Q. One of our drivers has decided to grow facial hair, meaning they now have a large beard. The photograph on their licence does not show this. Do they need to update it?

A. There is no legislative requirement to update the photograph with changes to things such as facial hair, however, if the driver were to be stopped and it was determined that the changes rendered the face totally unrecognisable, the driver may be required to renew the photograph so it accurately reflects their current appearance.

Travelling time

Q. We have an assimilated rules driver who thinks that travelling to work in the morning should be recorded as other work, is this true?

A. This depends on where the driver is travelling to or from. If the driver is travelling to or from their normal place of work or normal operating centre, then the journey is not classed as other work.

However, if the driver is travelling to or from another location that is away from the driver’s home or normal place of work, this journey would be recorded as other work and not rest. The principle here is that the driver is under the employer’s instruction when travelling to another place of work other than that identified in the driver’s employment contract.

Average EU and UK forecourt prices

Please find the average EU and UK forecourt prices here.

Have your say

Logistics UK works to ensure the voice of the logistics industry is heard by government and decision-makers. By taking part in our surveys, members provide the evidence and insight that help shape policy discussions, consultation responses and industry campaigns.

Logistics Performance Tracker Q2

Logistics UK has launched its new quarterly Logistics Performance Tracker Q2 2026 survey.

This is a short, confidential survey designed to gather insights into the real-world performance, challenges and opportunities across the UK logistics sector.

Along with our baseline indicators on economic outlook and supply chain performance, this quarter, questions focus on the regulation of electric vehicles and how it is impacting industry.

Responses are used to inform Logistics UK’s policy work and support engagement with government and senior stakeholders.

Share your views here

Membership survey

As a reminder, Logistics UK is also still running its membership survey, with insights used to share the benefits and services we provide – to support you, your business and the wider logistics industry.

Please take a few minutes to share your voice here