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Mayor of London must work with industry on the capital’s future road schemes
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, announced a proposal to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover Greater London in 2023.
Mr Khan has asked Transport for London (TfL) to consult on extending the scheme’s boundary from the North and South Circular Roads to the entire city by the end of next year.
The introduction of a Clean Air Charge and Greater London Boundary Charge have both been dismissed.
In his announcement, Mr Khan commented: “I believe the proposal to extend the ULEZ London-wide will have the biggest effect on emissions and congestion relative to the potential financial impact on Londoners as a whole.
“We are also proposing to introduce the biggest scrappage scheme feasible to help Londoners on low incomes, disabled Londoners and businesses.”
Logistics UK’s Head of Policy – South, Natalie Chapman, said: “Logistics UK looks forward to working with the Mayor of London and TfL on the details of its expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone. We are encouraged that the Clean Air Charge and Greater London Boundary Charge are not being pursued, in favour of the ULEZ, which is targeted at the most polluting vehicles. Both of these schemes would have applied additional costs to essential deliveries but would have been unlikely to have led to changes to the vehicle fleet. Improved air quality is crucial for all those living and working in London but the practical solutions which are to be implemented must recognise the essential role logistics vehicles play across the capital.”
The Mayor has also asked TfL to explore more long-term solutions, such as smart road user charging.
Ms Chapman said: “Logistics UK is urging both the Mayor and TfL to work with the logistics industry to ensure a proportionate and joined up approach to road user charging. It is encouraging that long-term solutions are being sought and the idea of a simpler, clearer scheme to replace the capital’s various road user charges could make implementation easier for those responsible for keeping the capital supplied with everything that its businesses and residents need.
“Any London-specific road charging scheme must be flexible and adapt to the possible introduction of any future national road charging schemes to avoid fragmentation of regulations.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/urban
Published On: 10/03/2022 16:00:00
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