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Fears grow over cost of delivering in London
Logistics UK has expressed its deep concern over suggestions that the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is considering the introduction of a clean air charge on "all but the cleanest vehicles" which would be additional to the existing Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and a Greater London boundary charge, which would charge a small fee to non-London registered vehicles entering Greater London.
Following the release of a new report last week (18 January 2021), the Mayor has also suggested that ULEZ could be extended to cover the area of the current Low Emission Zone – most of the land within the M25 motorway. The ULEZ was last extended just a few months ago in October 2021 up to the North and South Circular Roads.
While Logistics UK fully supports the Mayor’s environmental aims and the need to take action on air quality, the business group argues that the logistics sector has already made huge strides towards a net zero future, with more than half of HGVs across the UK currently meeting the Euro VI standard.
“This announcement raises concerns regarding potential additional costs to logistics businesses that are already facing increased charges as a result of the higher congestion charge and higher Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) costs recently introduced on London’s red routes,” said Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK's Head of Policy – South, “A Greater London boundary charge and further additional clean air charges – as proposed in the announcement – will place additional stress on industry, which already operates on small margins of between one and three per cent.
“Logistics UK is keen to see greater detail on the consultation proposals; any new measures introduced must be proportionate, achievable and ensure that logistics businesses can continue to deliver for the capital, its residents and its workforce.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/urban
Published On: 27/01/2022 16:00:43
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