🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Urban Logistics and Vans Forum makes its debut in London
Vehicle operators across the logistics industry were invited to attend Logistics UK’s first ever Urban Logistics and Vans Forum today at the Hilton London Euston Hotel.
Chaired by Kevin Green, Director at Logistics UK, the free half-day event provided a great opportunity to gain invaluable insights from leading industry enterprises through sessions including ‘Urban driver status monitoring’, ‘Logistics UK’s Van Excellence Scheme’ and ‘Practical crime prevention advice’.
“The logistics sector is being heavily scrutinised on its journey to achieving net zero emissions,” said Mr Green, “and operators are facing huge challenges and uncertainty surrounding costs and decarbonisation.
"This event will support businesses to navigate these current issues and provide skilful knowledge on crucial topics.”
With a top selection of speakers holding over 80 years of industry experience between them – including Paul Kirby, Director at EV Essentials and John Curtis, Director of Operations at EV Cafe – attendees gained direct access to expert advice and top tips throughout the day.
You can look out for details of the next Urban Logistics and Van Forum in an upcoming issue of Logistics Magazine.
Published On: 28/09/2023 14:00:00
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In brief
Oxford Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot amendments – six-week consultation
Oxford ZEZ have launched a consultation asking for operators views on proposed changes to the Oxford Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot, which has been in place in Oxford city centre since February 2022.
The proposed changes include:
- Continuing discounts for Blue Badge holders, disabled tax class vehicles, ZEZ business vehicles, and ZEZ residents’ vehicles indefinitely by removing the discount end dates.
- Keeping the ZEZ pilot charges at their current level by removing the planned increase in daily charges from 1 August 2025.
Operators can provide feedback by visiting the council’s digital engagement and consultation platform. The survey is open until 5pm on Tuesday 24 October.
Logistics UK will be responding to the consultation welcoming the continuation of the current charging levels. Initial proposals would have resulted in a doubling of the daily charge level for Euro VI/6 diesel vehicles from £4 to £8 and for vehicles which are Euro V/5 or older, the charge level would have increased from £10 to £20.
However, we will also outline our concerns about cities setting standards outside of a national framework which leads to fragmentation of regulation and complexities for national fleets.
To contribute to this response, please contact Ellis Shelton.
Cambridge City Council abandons proposals for a congestion fee
Cambridge City Council has abandoned plans to impose a congestion fee in the city. Proposals were being developed to charge £5 for cars, £10 for vans and £50 for HGVs per day to enter or exit the 'Cambridge Sustainable Travel Zone'. However, Cambridge City Council Leader Councillor Mike Davey stated the proposals were "not going ahead" after the Labour group on the council opted to withdraw its support. The ideas did not get widespread support in the city, with 58% of those who responded to a consultation rejecting the charge.
Logistics UK had previously voiced serious concerns about some of the measures proposed in the consultation, particularly the exponential charges under consideration for vans and HGVs, which we were concerned would have had a detrimental impact on Cambridge’s residents and businesses, if implemented.
The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) attended the East of England Freight Council in May. Members of the GCP team presented to the Council, asking for feedback on the planned proposals. Members were keen to stress that, because logistics supplied a necessary function, it should be regarded differently from motorists and questioned if the effects on other businesses and customers had been taken into account. Questions were also asked about whether any modelling had been done on the consequences of decreasing HGVs in the city and the likelihood that logistics providers would not continue to service the city, since it would be too difficult for them to transfer the cost on to the client.
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