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Consider mitigations for freight before expanding ULEZ, Logistics UK urges TfL
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) could be expanded to cover almost the whole of the capital from 29 August 2023, following the launch of a consultation by Transport for London (TfL) last Friday (20 May 2022).
TfL states that around 4,000 premature deaths in 2019 were attributed to poor air quality, with the majority being in outer London boroughs like Bromley, Barnet, Havering and Croydon.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has considered a range of options when deciding the next steps to take in dealing with air quality and has concluded that expanding the ULEZ London-wide will have the biggest effect on emissions in the short term, as well as helping to tackle traffic congestion.
However, many in the logistics industry are concerned about what this may mean in terms of keeping the capital supplied with food, pharmaceuticals and essential goods and equipment, particularly as there are significant issues in the automotive supply chain at present.
Speaking on the launch of the ULEZ expansion consultation, Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK’s Head of Policy – South, said:
“Industry is fully committed to introducing cleaner vehicles. Recent challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, however, have slowed the supply of these vehicles. Until they are available, Logistics UK is urging TfL to consider mitigations – such as those currently being implemented by councils that have introduced Clean Air Zones (CAZs) – for those that have ordered, and are awaiting the delivery of, these cleaner vehicles. We must ensure London’s business and homes continue to be supplied with the goods they need.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/urban
Published On: 26/05/2022 16:00:39
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