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Logistics UK engages closely on Clean Air Zone plans
Plans to implement Clean Air Zones (CAZs) and Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in cities across the length and breadth of the UK continue apace, with the first two CAZs – in Bath and Birmingham – already in operation.
Logistics UK continues to engage closely with city councils and local authorities on this important issue.
Last week (1 June 2021) saw the introduction of a Clean Air Zone in Birmingham, Britain’s second biggest city. Following its launch, Birmingham City Council announced that there will be a short grace period until 14 June 2021 to help with the transition. During this time, vehicles will not be charged to drive within the Birmingham CAZ. However, any vehicle that does not meet the emission requirements after this date will need to pay the daily fee (£50 per day for HGVs and £8 per day for LGVs which do not meet the emission standard).
In Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council confirmed at a recent meeting attended by Logistics UK that it will not proceed with its city-wide boundary LEZ, but is continuing to look at city-centre options to include all vehicles, which is expected to start in 2022 with a two-year grace period. Logistics UK is pleased that the Council is developing a Freight Management Plan, which acknowledges the importance of freight and logistics vehicles in servicing the city.
In South Yorkshire, as part of the development of Rotherham’s CAZ plans, Rotherham Metropolitan District Council is looking to identify and gather further information from businesses that operate HGVs in the area. It is planning to restrict HGVs to one-way only on Wortley Road, which currently exceeds legal air quality limits.
In the capital, plans are proceeding to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone from the Central London Congestion Charge zone to a much larger zone up to, but not including, the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205) from 25 October 2021.
Information on all confirmed CAZ and LEZ schemes, as well as those in development, is available in the recently updated members-only briefing note. For further information on our policy positions on air quality please visit our environment campaign web page.
Mags Simpson, Head of Policy Engagement, Logistics UK, said: “Logistics UK is committed to helping the logistics sector decarbonise and improve the air quality in our towns and cities, and we are seeing lots of exciting and innovative solutions across the UK. We simply ask that city councils and local authorities take into account the vital role freight and logistics plays in servicing the day-to-day needs of their businesses and residents. We will continue to engage closely with local bodies to ensure that the voice of logistics is heard, seeking balanced and proportionate solutions on this important issue.”
*Read the CAZ briefing note
Published On: 10/06/2021 17:00:15
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