Policy wins – August 2021

NET ZERO: TRANSPORT DECARBONISATION PLAN AND HGV CONSULTATION

Following Logistics UK’s engagement with government on its consultation on the phase-out date for non-zero tailpipe emission HGVs, the consultation proposes a date of 2040, in line with Logistics UK's ask. Additionally, it is proposing a 2035 date for vehicles that are 26 tonnes and under, and asks if those using low carbon fuels should be permitted past the phase-out dates – something which we support.

Since the announcement in the government’s 10-point plan to phase out the sale of non-diesel HGVs, Logistics UK has engaged at a ministerial and official level to make the views of members known. Early indication of the contents of the consultation allowed us to engage with members via the freight councils to agree our formal response to the consultation, which we are now drafting.

One of Logistics UK's key asks has been a routemap and plan from government on decarbonising all transport modes, and the Transport Decarbonisation Plan (TDP), published in July, has provided a clearer picture of the pathway to net zero for members. Logistics UK worked closely with the Department for Transport (DfT) as it developed the plan, providing a detailed written submission and engaging with officials. These have led to a commitment in the plan to develop a low carbon fuels strategy and a recognition of hydrogen having a role to play in decarbonising transport. Logistics UK was also quoted in the government press notice when the TDP was launched.

PRIORITY ASKS INCLUDED IN UK NORTHERN IRELAND COMMAND PAPER

The UK government has adopted Logistics UK’s priority asks on Trusted Trader Schemes for Customs and Food for the NI Protocol in the recently published Command Paper.

Logistics UK had been engaging with UK and EU officials for more than 12 months to outline the benefits and the need for Trusted Trader Schemes on GB to NI supply chains. In particular, we have identified the need for 'at risk' goods to be reassessed when entering NI from GB and argued that this can be managed through a Trusted Trader Scheme for retail and wholesale.

The paper incorporates these asks and also acknowledges that having a system to demonstrate that goods are not at risk of entering the EU can safeguard the integrity of the single market.

MOT ‘ADVISORY’ ITEMS REDUCTION

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has accepted Logistics UK’s proposal to stop issuing advisories for tyres which appear to be defect free but where the date cannot be seen. We had challenged DVSA around the necessity to issue advisory items where they are unable to confirm any defects when there is no concern over the age of a tyre.

HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE REOPENING

Hammersmith Bridge reopened on Saturday 17 July to pedestrians and cyclists; and importantly, boats, which may now pass under.

Logistics UK wrote to Transport Minister Baroness Vere, outlining the significant impact of the bridge closure on barge operators on the Thames and seeking clarity on timescales for the repairs. We also proposed more controlled transits underneath the bridge to allow for increased movement.

The bridge was closed to motor vehicles in April 2019 following the detection of cracks in its structure and was closed entirely in August 2020 when the cracks in the pedestals worsened. The Thames is the busiest inland waterway in the UK, carrying nearly 60% of all goods lifted on the inland waterway network, and the closure of the Hammersmith Bridge has caused significant disruption and uncertainty to water freight operators.

*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns

Published On: 05/08/2021 16:00:43

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