Logistics UK calls for Prime Minister to review the patchwork of charges and regulations inhibiting urban logistics

Mr Wells has this week written to the PM to request that the review of the Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) be expanded to address the patchwork of charges and regulations inhibiting urban logistics. 

COMMITTED TO A GREEN TRANSITION  

“The logistics sector is embracing the decarbonisation agenda and is committed to playing its part to help the UK achieve net zero,” wrote Mr Wells in his letter. "We actively support improving air quality and road safety in our towns and cities and our members have invested in new vehicles, additional safety equipment and driver training to achieve this.  

“However, we are seeing a patchwork of different schemes emerging across the country which is causing both challenges for our members and adding costs for consumers. 

“We are calling for a fair and standardised approach by cities and regions towards charging logistics operators, enabling the sector to invest in the green transition while keeping costs down on the shelves.” 

TAKING THE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACH  

“Before considering restrictions on logistics, we have asked local areas to seek to achieve their outcomes in a way that does not inhibit essential deliveries and, ultimately, impact consumers and the economy. This could include congestion mitigation measures, intelligent traffic management, and allowing more deliveries to be made at night when roads are less congested,” wrote Wells. 

“However, given the growth of the patchwork of rules across the country inhibiting logistics, we think there is now a strong case for a national framework to deliver clear and consistent guidelines,” concluded Wells. 

Logistics UK is calling for this framework to cover alternatives to charges and restrictions and, for any charging schemes, cover the size of zones and charges levied, a nationwide interoperable portal for collecting payments to reduce administrative burdens, extra time for compliance in specific cases and a flexible approach towards van operators and local businesses.  

The standards they are based on should be consistent in stipulating Euro 6/VI for diesel, Euro 4 for petrol and Euro 3 for motorcycles.  

Logistics UK is awaiting a response to its letter and will continue its calls for a fair and standardised approach to road traffic schemes in the meantime. 

*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns       

Published On: 10/08/2023 16:00:00

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