News round-up
Main news
Electric vehicle chargepoint grant widened for electric vehicle drivers without driveways
From 18 March 2024 until 31 March 2025, residents in domestic properties without driveways or dedicated parking spaces can now access the electric vehicle chargepoint grant of £350 towards the cost of installing a chargepoint for electric vehicles (EVs) on the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles-approved vehicle list.
The grant will apply to registered keepers of eligible new and second-hand vehicles, company cars and vehicles leased for at least six months. Residents must obtain permission from their local council to install a cross-pavement charging solution between their home and the approved parking space before submitting an application for the grant, and the cross-pavement charging solution must be installed before the chargepoint is installed. Further details including more information on eligibility requirements available here.
Logistics UK has welcomed the announcement, which will help operators working to electrify their van fleets, many of whose drivers take their vans home at night but do not have off-street parking. Using a domestic electricity supply to charge EVs overnight will support operators in managing energy costs of zero tailpipe emission vehicles and ensure commercial EVs are ready for use at the start of their drivers’ shifts.
Transport Minister meets to discuss the Van Plan
On Tuesday 2 April, Transport Minister Anthony Browne MP met with the coalition partners of the Zero Emission Van Plan, including Logistics UK. During the roundtable, the barriers being faced by van operators looking to adopt cleaner vehicles were discussed, alongside the solutions that could be introduced by government, as outlined in the Van Plan. Topics covered in the discussion included a market update, support for SMEs, the importance of the Plug-in Van Grant, charging solutions for e-vans, and regulatory barriers.
This is the latest engagement as part of an ongoing programme to discuss the contents of the Plan with decision makers across government. Positive meetings have already taken place with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), where the team is actively exploring solutions to some of the problems highlighted by the coalition.
Department for Transport representatives were receptive to the comments made by the Van Plan participants and appreciated the sector coming together on the issue. Alongside Logistics UK, the coalition partners include the BVRLA, Recharge UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), and The EV Café. They were joined by industry representatives from Dawsongroup Vans, Speedy Services, DPD Group UK, Curzon Consulting, and the AA.
New Vehicle Excise Duty V149 table published
The latest V149 table incorporating the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates announced in the Chancellor’s Budget last month has been published and is available here.
Please note that these rates will be payable for all licences purchased from 1 April 2024, any licences purchased prior to this date will be charged at the former rate.
Scotland parking prohibitions
The rules for parking in Scotland have changed and parking on pavements, crossings and double parking is now illegal. Local Authorities and Police Scotland have the powers to enforce the new legislation. A briefing note for Logistics UK members is now available to describe the new requirements, who it applies to and what it means to the logistics sector. Members can log in to the member-only section to find the briefing note here or contact the Member Advice Centre.
Apprenticeship funding changes
The Prime Minister has announced that government will fully fund apprenticeships in small businesses in England from 1 April by paying the full cost of training for anyone up to the age of 21. This is part of a package of funding worth £60 million for next year, which is intended to ensure the supply of apprenticeships can meet demand.
At the same time, government will also increase the amount of funding that employers who are paying the apprenticeship levy can pass onto other businesses. Apprenticeships can currently be funded by a levy paying employer transferring up to 25% of their unused levy to a different employer. Under the new measures, large employers who pay the apprenticeship levy will be able to transfer up to 50% of their funds to support other businesses, including smaller firms, to take on apprentices.
While Logistics UK continues to push for full reform of the apprenticeship levy to allow for more flexible use of funding to support training in our industry, these measures are a welcome change for smaller employers which should reduce the cost burden of training apprentices.
Vehicle Certification Agency recent developments
The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) has shared a number of developments relating to the GB type approval scheme covering new legislative developments, updated guidance on the website and changes to the VCA application portal:
- New GB type approval legislation: On 7 March 2024, new legislation to update the GB type approval scheme came into force and provides manufacturers with additional options in covering emissions and rear registration plate requirements when applying for GB type approval.
- VCA website updates: Changes to the VCA website include updating information relating to the GB Provisional type approval scheme and adding new pages to provide additional guidance for full GB type approval applications.
- VCA Digital Portal: The next phase of the digital self-serve application portal has now been rolled out to customers, covering applications for all type approval schemes.
The Freight Portal – schemes, guidance, tools, blogs for freight operators
The Freight Portal has been created by the Energy Saving Trust in collaboration with the Department for Transport (DfT) and Zemo Partnership to support the government’s commitment to deliver a zero-emission freight and logistics sector. The portal is a hub providing freight operators with a range of fleet support schemes, guides, case studies, blog and a fuel cost cutter tool to help operators reduce emissions and costs. It is worth exploring as new information is added regularly.
Logistics UK launches North of England and Midlands manifestos
Logistics UK has launched manifestos for the North of England and the Midlands, ahead of Mayoral elections taking place on 2 May. Both documents set out how mayors can work with the logistics sector to confront the challenges of climate change and drive growth across the regions. To enable this, we are calling for the further strengthening of the partnership between the regions and the logistics sector, supported by the mayors appointing a senior lead for logistics, responsible for ensuring our sector has an increasingly prominent place in the region’s growth, environmental and skills strategies.
On 2 May, voters in the regions will go to the polls to elect mayors for Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, the North East, Tees Valley, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, East Midlands and West Midlands.
The Midlands manifesto can be downloaded here and the North of England manifesto can be accessed here.
This follows the publication of the London manifesto ahead of the London Mayor and Assembly elections on 2 May and a UK manifesto[BJ1] [DB2] [DB3] ahead of the General Election which is expected to take place later this year.
Logistics leaders highlight the importance of the sector
Logistics UK has teamed up with 10 other logistics and freight trade bodies to write to the leaders of the UK’s and devolved nations’ main political parties, to urge the next government to prioritise our sector.
We are asking whoever is the Prime Minister after the next election to appoint a dedicated minister for logistics, recognising the value our sector provides to the economy.
Logistics underpins the economy and can drive growth and productivity with the right policy environment. There are many challenges to tackle together, and appointing a minister dedicated to logistics with cross-departmental responsibilities would help cement collaboration between policymakers and our industry, to deliver for the future.
In addition to a dedicated UK government minister, we want to work with government to secure:
- Radical planning reform, long-term infrastructure investment and increase in transport capacity.
- A joint UK government-logistics sustainability and decarbonisation roadmap.
- Skills policies to enable the sector to win the battle for talent.
- Partnership between the UK government and the sector to boost trade.
Our letter to the Prime Minister can be read here.
Logistics UK speaks at Optimal Charging event
Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager, Denise Beedell joined a distinguished line up of speakers at the ‘Optimal Charging: Leaders or Followers’ conference on 27 March at the Museum of London. The event focused on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and Denise joined a panel discussing public sector charging network provision. Her fellow panellists included Paul Ford CDO at Zest, Aaron Berry Deputy Head of Energy and Infrastructure at the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, Cllr Ian Nellis, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change at Shropshire Council and Joe Baker, Head of Carbon Manager at Haringey Council. While there was a significant focus on electric cars, by speaking at the conference and joining the workshops, Denise ensured that delegates were reminded of the importance of electric commercial vehicles and how their charging needs must be accommodated.
International
International driving permits available at PayPoint stores from 1 April 2024
From 1 April 2024, the provider of international driving permits (IDPs) has changed and IDPs will be available exclusively from participating PayPoint stores across the UK.
While many countries do not require an IDP, there are over 140 countries where an IDP is recommended or required if you’re planning to drive. The countries needing an IDP include Turkey, Mexico, Canada and Australia. Motorists can check if they need an IDP for the country they are visiting at GOV.UK.
Changes to VAT and Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) guidance
HMRC has recently made updates to VAT and EORI guidance. If an operator’s business has deregistered for VAT, any Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number(s) they hold will also be removed at the same time. EORIs are needed for authorisations, including a UK Internal Market System (UKIMS) authorisation, and licences.
To continue using these there are actions a business needs to take:
- Authorisations (including Duty Deferment Accounts and guarantees) - contact the supervising office. This can be found in the authorisation correspondence received originally.
- Licences - to continue using these, please contact the issuing government department.
If operators still need an EORI number, they can apply for a new GB EORI number. The number is usually confirmed immediately. Once a GB EORI is obtained, operators will then be able apply for an XI EORI number, if needed and the relevant criteria is met. According to HMRC, the number will be issued within five working days of applying.
For assistance obtaining a new EORI number, contact HMRC.
Single Trade Window – testing opportunities
HMRC conducted the first private beta testing phase of the Single Trade Window (STW) which commenced on the 29 February 2024. HMRC is looking to invite more users to take part in testing the STW to help optimise the functionality and learn from “real world” user experiences.
During this testing phase HMRC will be learning from customers, allowing members to enhance the service before it is publicly released.
Member feedback will further inform STW design whilst enabling customers to start using the service to meet their border obligations. This will drive a better user experience and keep delivery on track to meet wider Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) commitments of delivering the first public STW functionality by October 2024.
To get involved, please email STWBCRteam@hmrc.gov.uk
Customs Declaration Service: make sure your export declarations are legally compliant
HMRC is aware that some export declarations are being submitted to the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) with key information missing. Value DE 8/6 (Statistical value) is legally required for the majority of export declarations.
Members must complete this value unless the declaration completion instructions state that this is not required. Members must take care to provide all required information, otherwise declarations will not be classed as legally compliant, and may become liable to penalties.
Guidance and resources are available on the CDS guidance pages on GOV.UK. For any further information, speak to your Account Manager or Customer Compliance Manager, or contact HMRC directly using an available channel.
Important information: Changes to Supplementary Declarations
In May 2024, HMRC will introduce changes to the Simplified Customs Declaration Process (SCDP) and Simplified Export Declaration Process (SEDP). These changes reflect views from businesses and the border industry gathered through a call for evidence held in February 2022. The call for evidence indicated that businesses would value more time to complete declarations and more flexibility in respect of aggregation timeframes. The following changes will take effect from May 2024, meaning that the first month under the changed procedure will relate to April 2024 movements.
Changes to SCDP and SEDP supplementary declaration dates
HMRC will increase the amount of time businesses have, to submit:
- Supplementary declarations for imports - from the 4th working day to the 10th calendar day of the month following import.
- Supplementary declarations for exports - in instances where more than one consignment is being exported, from the 4th working day to the 10th calendar day of the month following export.
- Final supplementary declarations - from the 4th working day to the 11th calendar day of the month after import.
Changes to the Duty Deferment Account (DDA) payment date for Customs Declaration Service (CDS) users
- HMRC will move the DDA payment date back a day for CDS users, from the ‘15th calendar day’ to the ‘16th calendar day’ of the month, or the next working day where the 16th falls on a weekend/bank holiday.
- CHIEF users with a DDA will be unaffected by these changes, as the DDA payment date will remain on the ‘15th calendar day’ of the month or the next working day where the 15th falls on a weekend/bank holiday.
- If members use both CHIEF and CDS, members may have DDA payments coming out on both the 15th and 16th of the following month after import (or next working day if either of them falls on a weekend/bank holiday).
HMRC will change the DDA payment date automatically and members do not need to do anything, except make sure there are sufficient funds in their DDA for the relevant payment date(s). For example: For April 2024 movements the Supplementary Declaration submission deadline will be 10 May 2024, and the DDA payment date will be 16 May 2024.
Changes to aggregation for supplementary declarations
An option to aggregate supplementary declarations across a calendar month will be introduced, (additional to the existing daily and 10-day aggregation options). If authorised, monthly aggregation will allow customers to submit multiple similar movements across a calendar month, on a single Supplementary Declaration, to reduce the total number of supplementary declarations required.
Please note: Where applicable, businesses must be able to provide a robust audit trail, to maintain the integrity of the Customs Warehouse (CW) and the Entry in Declarants Records (EIDR) processes. Any application to aggregate on a 10-day, or monthly basis, is likely to be refused if it conflicts with the requirement for timely/accurate updating of the CW stock record, and/or EIDR. E.g., businesses who operate CW using Duty Management Systems (DMS) and aggregate daily, may not be suitable for alternative periods of aggregation. Declaration file sizes should be no greater than 10Mb.
Next steps
GOV.UK guidance will be updated in mid-April 2024, including details of how monthly aggregation can be applied for. Queries about this change, please contact Customs and Trade International Helpline on 0300 322 9434; large businesses should contact their Customer Contact Manager or CIT Tax Specialist.
Consultations
All Logistics UK consultation and call for evidence submissions can be viewed on the member-only ‘Responses to Consultations’ webpage.
Plan for Drivers: ensuring traffic measures have local support
Following the launch of the government’s Plan for Drivers last October, a range of new and updated guidance, consultations and research findings have recently been published, covering:
Further action on these measures and others in the Plan for Drivers will be announced later this year.
Consultation on planning rights for EV chargers
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) launched a new consultation on 13 February looking at changes to a number of permitted development rights (PDRs) including regulations around electric vehicle charge points.
Section 5 is the section likely to be most relevant to fleet operators, especially those whose drivers take vans home. DLUHC are consulting on several rights changes to give households and businesses more flexibility when installing electric vehicle charging outlets, seeking input on whether PDRs should cover equipment housing and storage cabinets for electric vehicle charge points.
Logistics UK has responded to the consultation which closes on 9 April 2024 and Logistics UK members can view our response here.
Consultation on hydrogen-powered non-road mobile machinery
On 27 March, the government launched a consultation on regulations that would allow hydrogen-powered non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) on the roads. This closes on 24 April. Currently, hydrogen-powered NRMM, such as tractors, diggers and forklifts, cannot be used on public roads without an exemption, known as a vehicle special order (VSO).
Logistics UK has produced a Low Carbon Fuel Guide, which covers the main LCF types (and hydrogen) that can be used by the logistics sector, and outlines applications for fuels, typical GHG savings as well as benefits and disadvantages. The guide can be viewed here.
FROM THE MAC
Q: One of our drivers received a Notice of Intended Prosecution for driving in the outside lane on the motorway while driving one of our new 4.25t electric vans. They are looking to challenge this; are they able to?
A: The vehicle in question would be classified as an N2 vehicle, which is for goods vehicles between 3.5 tonnes and 12 tonnes maximum authorised mass (MAM). Due to this classification, a speed limiter would be required to be fitted which will bring it in scope of the Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 and the Motorways Traffic (Scotland) Regulations 1995, which is summarised by Rule 265 of the Highway Code and states that:
“The right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes MUST NOT be used (except in prescribed circumstances) if you are driving:
- Any vehicle drawing a trailer
- A goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter
- A goods vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes
- A passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver
- A passenger vehicle with a maximum laden weight not exceeding 7.5 tonnes which is constructed or adapted to carry more than eight seated passengers in addition to the driver, which is required to be fitted with a speed limiter.”
As a result, they would not be able to challenge this unless they have a legitimate reason to do so, such as being instructed to by any overhead signage, or by an enforcement officer.
Q: One of our vans has steps to get into the back, and one of the drivers has complained that the toe hole is not deep enough, even though it is wide enough. Is there a legal minimum for this?
A: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance states that steps should be level and comfortable to use, have a slip-resistant surface; and should not allow, for example, mud, grease, or oil to build up dangerously (for example, grating could be used to allow debris to pass through a step).
There is no minimum depth for the toe hole or any regulations that state this, other than the principles of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) which mean that all work equipment should be suitable for the job it is being used for.
Jargon/definition buster
NRMM – Non-Road Mobile Machinery – Mobile machinery and transportable industrial equipment or vehicles which are fitted with an internal combustion engine and not intended for transporting goods or passengers on roads.
GSP – Grid Supply Point – This is the point at which the wider network is connected to the electricity distribution network system, which distributes electricity in the UK. The Distribution Network Operators (DNO) operate the system of cables and towers that bring electricity from the transmission network to UK properties.
