Logistics UK opposes plans for Bath to charge Euro VI HGVs entry

The proposals are that N3 Euro VI HGVs weighing over 12 tonnes, which comply with the CAZ charging zone, will be eligible for a £50 daily charge to enter. Currently non-compliant Class N3 Euro V diesel HGVs must pay £100 a day to enter.

Ahead of a meeting on the proposals last week (10 November 2022), Logistics UK restated its opposition in a letter to the Cabinet of Bath and North East Somerset Council. The Cabinet considered whether a public consultation on plans to impose a charge on class N3 Euro VI HGVs above 12 tonnes that pass through the city’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) should be launched.

The Council’s supporting documents suggest that the charge could be up to £50 per vehicle and would need to be paid through a separate charging system from the current national CAZ charging mechanism.

Chris Yarsley, Road Freight Regulation Policy Manager, Logistics UK, said: “While we strongly support the need to improve local air quality, we have made clear to the Cabinet the negative impact of such a charge on local supply chains, and the potential for additional congestion with increased van usage. Plus, there is the environmental impact to consider. HGV drivers, with CAZ compliant vehicles, might begin to look for alternative routes to avoid the Bath CAZ , so could potentially take a significant detour to avoid the city, thereby creating more, rather than fewer, emissions to reach their end destinations.”

Logistics UK also informed the Council about the difficulties operators have trying to procure vehicles compliant with the proposed restrictions. The business group has offered to work with Bath and North East Somerset to try and find an alternative to this new charge.

*www.logistics.org.uk/caz

Published On: 17/11/2022 16:00:18

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