A group of UK road transport associations have released a statement arguing that Clean Air Zones are “unfairly targeting hauliers” and that “pricing trucks off the road is not the way to reduce emissions”.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA), British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA), Freight Transport Association (FTA) and National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) met with the UK’s Transport Minister Jesse Norman and Environment Minister Therese Coffey yesterday morning (11 July) to discuss their own joint six-point plan for Clean Air Zones.

The group calls itself The Way Forward, and calls for consistent CAZ operating standards, smarter use of road space, and a phased approach supporting the transition to cleaner vehicles that doesn’t put operators out of business.

In a statement issued yesterday, RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said: “We welcome Government’s commitment to improve air quality but local authorities pricing lorries off the road is not the way to go about it.

“Ministers confirmed in our meeting earlier that local authorities should consider all options and that charging should be a last resort. They also highlighted that it is up to local authorities to decide which vehicles would be charged, when charges should apply and the level of charge.

“If Clean Air Zones are not handled properly we will have more vans making deliveries, congestion will increase and so will pollution. Clean Air Zones will only reduce emissions if they target polluters proportionately.”