News round-up
Main news
EV public chargepoint statistics released for April 2024
Figures released by the Department for Transport at the end of April show that as of 1 April 2024, there were 59,670 public electric vehicle charging devices installed in the UK.
Compared to 1 January 2024, the number of total installed devices increased by 5,993, an increase of 11% and there was an increase in the number of public charging devices in all regions of the UK.
In the last 12 months, there has been an increase of 19,520 total installed devices, which represents an increase of 49%.
London and Scotland had the highest level of charging provision per 100,000 of population, with 221 and 93 devices per 100,000 respectively. In comparison, the average provision in the UK was 89 per 100,000. Northern Ireland had the lowest level of charging device provision in the UK, with 29 devices per 100,000, followed by the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber, each with 53 devices per 100,000.
Scotland had the highest rate of 50kW and above device provision at 24.2 charging devices rated 50kW and above per 100,000, whilst the average provision in the UK was 17.3 per 100,000. 50kW and above. Charging device provision was lowest for Northern Ireland with 7 charging devices rated 50kW and above per 100,000. London was the second lowest region with 13 charging devices rated 50kW and above per 100,000.
Full details and statistical tables available at .gov.uk
[Image – chargepoint]
Disruption to road network on A40 at Hanger Lane, London due to HS2 works
From 6 May to 30 September 2024, HS2 will be carrying out works on the A40 between Alperton Lane and Hanger Lane Gyratory. These works are needed to protect a gas main that crosses the A40. This work would have been required in due course but has been brought forward due to the HS2 tunnelling works.
During these works, there will be phased traffic management in place on the A40 Western Avenue involving:
• Lane closures.
• Contraflow system.
• Division over Hanger Lane Gyratory due to A40 tunnel closure.
• Speed restrictions of 20mph enforced with average speed camera.
There will be seven phases of traffic management. The first of these will be from 6 May – 2 June, when there will be a closure of the outside lane on both the east and westbound sides during the day, and then at night there will be further closures of the middle lane (east and west). Hanger Lane tunnel will be closed, with a diversion around the Gyratory.
Members are strongly advised to take note of these closures and plan accordingly. If members have specific questions, HS2 has offered the following email for contact HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk.
Best March for new van registrations since 2021
Figures released last month by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that more than 50,000 new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) were registered for UK roads, making it the best first quarter for three years with volumes now just -7.7% below Q1 2019.
The UK’s LCV market grew 11.1% with 52,916 registrations in March 2024. Demand for small models (2.0 tonnes and below) was up 44.8% with 986 registrations and for the largest models over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes, demand increased by 16.1% with 35,592 registrations and now represents more than two thirds (67.3%) of the market. Medium-sized vans (over 2.0 tonnes and up to 2.5 tonnes) saw a slight fall of -3.6% with 8,939 registrations compared with 9,276 registrations in March 2023.
In March 2024, 2,906 new battery electric vans were registered, a rise of 14.7% compared to the same month in 2023, which means that 5.5% of the whole LCV market is a battery electric van, a slight increase on the 5.3% seen in March 2023. Whilst the increase is good news, with the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate now in force, there will need to be a significant uplift in registrations to reach the mandated 10% of all new van sales this year.
If the UK van market is to achieve the necessary increased sales of battery electric vans, moving to electric needs to makes sense for businesses. Logistics UK wants to see regulatory and fiscal support for accessible, affordable and fit for purpose chargepoints, and accelerated roll out of the public charging network with van-suitable chargepoints and the removal of regulatory barriers in order to make the process of transitioning to zero emission vans less challenging for van operators.
[Image - electric van]
DVLA adds two more services to its ‘Driver and vehicles’ account service
On 2 August 2023, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) announced the launch of the ‘Driver and vehicles’ account, which allows individual motorists to access driving licences and vehicle information in one place.
As of 9 April, motorists can now renew the photo on their driving licence and apply for a first provisional licence through the ‘Driver and vehicles’ account.
See full details around changes on Gov.uk
DVSA and the MOT test
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency has shared its latest blog, where Neil Barlow, Head of Vehicle Policy and Engineering, outlines what DVSA is currently working on following the publication of the consultation on the MOT. The blog covers particle number testing on diesel cars, the future of electric vehicle testing and the advanced driver-assistance system. Read the post here
Scottish government scraps 2030 emissions target
Scottish Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan confirmed on 19 April that the Scottish government will scrap its annual and interim targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The aim to cut carbon emissions in Scotland by 75% by 2030 will be replaced with a system measuring emissions every five years. The Scottish government will retain the 2045 target for net zero, which is five years ahead of the UK government target. In her statement, Màiri McAllan said that to reduce emissions, Scotland would have an additional 24,000 chargepoints by 2030.
Logistics UK is meeting with Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop on 30 May and will raise the importance of having clear and realistic measures to support logistics decarbonisation. We welcome Transport Scotland’s recent HGV Decarbonisation Pathway which we fed into and are concerned that the target of 2025 for the public sector to stop buying new petrol of diesel vans is unrealistic.
[image – Scottish flag]
Review of the 20mph speed limit in Wales
The Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates MS, has announced that Wales will soon be concluding its review of the 20mph speed limit restrictions, in favour of a more targeted approach. As such, this could see some of Wales’s roads returned to 30mph. This rule was first introduced in September 2023, with the local authorities having to set limits for urban and residential areas to 20mph by default.
On Tuesday 23 April, Skates expressed his support for 20mph, in areas where it is appropriate, especially where children and the elderly are at risk, but stressed it must be targeted to those areas.
Logistics UK will continue to work alongside the Welsh government and keep members updated as developments occur.
Manager's Guide to Distribution Costs survey launched
Logistics UK has launched its Manager's Guide to Distribution Costs 2024 survey which provides key data required to produce the Guide.
The guide is a key resource for benchmarking businesses’ quarterly costs for wages, vehicle operating costs and haulage rates and has been used across the industry for decades, allowing transport managers and freight forwarders better insight into their operations.
Manager’s Guide to Distribution Costs is produced annually based on responses to our survey conducted each April. Contributors are then asked to very briefly update their data quarterly in July, October and January and, in return for useable responses, receive the pdf of the guide and the quarterly updates free of charge, usually worth £375.
The survey will take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Complete the survey here.
Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme
On 17 April, the Department for Transport (DfT) launched the next round of its Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme, with organisations and academics able to secure up to £45,000 in funding each, from an overall £1.3 million pot. The TRIG scheme, delivered by Connected Places Catapult, supports businesses and academics working on innovative ideas in the early stages of their research. Applications close on 21 May.
This year for the first time in TRIG, DfT is explicitly looking for “Nation-Specific Transport Solutions” which is a new category for projects that address specific transport challenges in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland to level up the whole of the UK’s transport system and boost connectivity. There are also separate specific calls for solutions to the categories of maritime decarbonisation, local transport decarbonisation, emerging and critical technologies as well as an open call for any innovative solution that doesn’t fit into those mentioned.
A drop-in session is arranged on 15 May for further information on the programme, application process and guidance. The application page and support webinar sign up can be found here.
Third year of Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator launched
The Department for Transport has launched the third year of the £7 million Freight Innovation Fund Accelerator to support innovation across the sector to decarbonise freight and improve UK supply chains. Applications are open until 9 June.
Small and medium-sized enterprises can receive up to £1.8 million in government funding to support the freight sector innovate and develop new technologies to improve how freight is moved across rail, maritime and road transport.
Previous funding winners have reported a collective £97 million in commercial investment from the £1.2 million government Year 1 fund, decarbonising supply chains and supporting jobs.
To find out more, visit gov.uk.
[image – innovation]
Logistics UK presents to Dutch transport operators on possible entry into the UK market
Logistics UK was invited by the Department for Business and Trade to speak at a trade promotion event at the Residence of the British Ambassador in The Hague, Netherlands last month. We gave an overview of Logistics UK and our recent policy work, including the joint initiative with Department for Transport on skills promotion, Generation Logistics.
Dutch operators asked a range of questions, including on zero-emission cross Channel logistics but also on the impact of Home Office/Border Force penalties when migrants have been found on their vehicles. A number of companies expressed that they were doing their best to avoid incursions, but it was not possible to prevent all, and the penalties being levied against them were a real dissuasion from doing additional business in the UK.
Charging Zones
Dundee’s LEZ comes into force this month
Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Dundee will be fully enforced on 30 May 2024, with Aberdeen and Edinburgh’s starting from 1 June 2024. The Glasgow LEZ is already enforced for all non-compliant vehicles. Grace periods for some local residents’ vehicles will cease when the LEZs are fully enforced.
Unlike England, there is no option for drivers of non-compliant vehicles to pay a daily charge to access Scotland’s LEZs. To comply vehicles should meet emissions standards for Euro 4 for petrol cars and vans, Euro 6 for diesel cars and vans and Euro VI for buses, coaches and HGVs. Motorbikes and mopeds are not included in the current LEZ schemes and no restrictions will apply.
Logistics UK has updated its monthly Clean Air Zone (CAZ) member briefing note, which contains a full list of all schemes. The document covers Logistics UK’s policy position on urban air quality restrictions and contains information on all CAZs in development, including Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and other clean air measures proposed for cities across the UK.
International
Second phase of the UK’s Border Target Operating Model now live
Phase two of the Border Target Operating Model went live last month. From one minute past midnight on 30 April, physical, documentary and identity checks at the border are required for medium-risk animal products, plants and plant products imported to GB from the EU, as well as high-risk food and feed of non-animal origin from the EU. In advance of this new regime going live, government confirmed that physical checks on goods will be phased in from the 30 of April, with the priority from day one, being on highest risk goods.
Logistics UK continues to call on government to provide urgent clarity on exactly what this phased approach means in practice and how many checks are being carried out and on what commodities. We also continue to press the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for a clear timetable as to when checks will be fully scaled up and for greater assurances that Border Control Post (BCP) facilities will have the capacity and capabilities, including staffing resource at all times required, to efficiently process loads.
Logistics UK has publicly documented members’ concerns about the lack of transparency when it comes to the costs government is trying to recover from an exceptionally high Common User Charge, the cumulative cost impact of the government’s new import processes on smaller operators in particular and the resulting risk of less choice on GB shelves, increased wastage of fresh produce arising from delays, and higher prices for already hard pressed consumers for EU origin goods.
As we anticipated, in light of the government’s light touch approach, there has not been widespread disruption and delays. Logistics UK continues to closely engage with impacted members and is reflecting members' experiences and raising issues around implementation in daily calls with DEFRA and HM Revenue and Customs.
Border Target Operating Model – Common User Charge at government-run BCPs confirmed
On 3 April 2024, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed the Common User Charge rates that will be applied at government-run border control posts (BCPs) under the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
From 30 April 2024 the government has applied a Common User Charge on all eligible sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) imports (from the rest of the world, EU and EFTA countries) entering GB through the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel in Kent. These charges apply to all eligible animal products, plants and plant products imports whether selected for a physical check or not at planned government-run BCP facilities.
The common user charge rates applicable from 30 April 2024 are:
Commodity type:
1) Low-risk products of animal origin (POAO)
Imports £10
Transits £10
2) Medium-risk POAO
Imports £29
Transits £10
3) High-risk POAO
Imports £29
Transits £10
4) Low-risk plants and plant products
Imports no common user charge
Transits no common user charge
5) Medium-risk plants and plant products
Imports £29
Transits no common user charge
6) High-risk plants and plant products
Imports £29
Transits no common user charge
The rates above will be charged for each commodity line in a common health entry document (CHED), but charges will be capped. The maximum charge for one CHED will be limited to five commodity lines, even if there are more than five commodity lines present in the CHED. This means that medium and high-risk CHEDs will be capped at £145 and low-risk Products of Animal Origin (POAO) CHEDs and transits will be capped at £50. These rates are separate to the fees and charges applied by the Animal and Plant Health Authority (APHA), Port Health Authorities (PHA), or Local Authorities. Commercial ports will set their own charging structures and rates.
Single Trade Window - private beta testing
HMRC is continuing to invite more users to take part in testing the Single Trader Window (STW) service to help it optimise the functionality and learn from “real world” user experiences.
During this testing phase, HMRC will be learning from customers, allowing HMRC to enhance the service before it is publicly released. Customers will be able to request to join the testing or will be invited, meaning they can start to use the live service and experience the benefits. Their feedback will further inform STW design whilst enabling customers to start using the service to meet their border obligations.
If members would like to be involved, please email STWBCRteam@hmrc.gov.uk.
Single Trade Window – user research
In addition to above, HMRC is also looking to recruit some traders for user research. HMRC is looking for traders who:
- Export goods across the UK border.
- May do their own export declaration in-house.
- Or may use an agent to do their export declaration on their behalf, but may consider doing an export declaration themselves in future.
- (If completing their own declarations) Do not use specialist software / may only use basic software to complete customs-related paperwork.
The research is unable to accept traders who:
- Use a fast parcel operator to do their export declarations for them.
- Are infrequent traders (i.e., less than five exports a year).
If members would like to be involved in the user research please email
stwenquiries@hmrc.gov.uk
Consultations
All Logistics UK submissions to consultations and calls for evidence can be viewed on our ‘Responses to Consultations’ webpage.
FROM THE MAC
Q: We have recently carried out a trailer check, part of that being to ensure that the nose was not overloaded. We have purchased a nose weight gauge but have seen conflicting information as to whether the handbrake should be on or off during this test. How is the best way to get the most meaningful results?
A: The manufacturer’s guidelines will provide the methodology to get the most meaningful results, however, the application of the brakes should not make any difference on a single axle trailer. On a multi axle trailer it potentially could have an impact if the brake was on and the coupling was lifted or lowered a considerable distance, which may potentially explain the contradictions you were experiencing.
The impact could be eliminated by adjusting to the correct travelling height, then releasing and reapplying the park brake. A risk assessment should be completed before this is undertaken and it would be advisable to do this only with the wheels chocked to ensure the safety of those involved in the process or who are in the vicinity while the check is carried out.
Q: We have had an application for a warehouse worker, who may be called to drive, but they have presented a provisional licence with an “LD” in the corner. What does this mean? Will they be able to drive?
A: Provisional licences issued in Wales will be issued with a red “LD” in the upper left corner. This is because in Wales, it is possible to show either an “L” plate or a “D” plate when learning to drive. The “D” stands for Dysgwr, the Welsh word for learner. It is important to note that the “D” plate would not be permitted outside of Wales and would be required to show an “L” plate.
When supervising a learner driver, it is important to note that any form of payment would not be permitted, so a manager or driving colleague would not be able to do this as they would be rewarded in the form of payment from the business. The DVSA’s stance on this is that ‘any instruction, pre or post licence acquisition, in the driving of a motor car given for money or money’s worth, requires the instructor to have his or her name entered on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
Jargon/definition buster
AEB – Autonomous Emergency Braking – Sensors in the vehicle that detect cars and obstacles ahead and automatically apply the brakes to avoid a crash.
DPF – Diesel particulate filter – An emissions control device intended to trap the microscopic, carcinogenic particles in a diesel exhaust.
