The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to support freight operators in making their vehicles emit lower emissions as he has buses in an £80 million support package. The support package was announced to meet clean air standards in the metropolitan area.

The FTA pointed out that thousands of delivery vans and HGVs operating in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be significantly disrupted ahead of the introduction of the regulations, “especially the small businesses, and cannot be expected to make all the necessary changes to meet new standards without support from local government.”

“The Mayor’s announcement of a support package for bus operators is welcome news in the fight to improve the quality of London’s air, but does not go far enough,” says Christopher Snelling, head of national policy for the FTA.  “Once again, freight operators, who have already made huge steps to reduce their industry’s emissions, are to be lumbered with huge bills at a time when businesses are already under intense cost pressures supplying London.

“Either the Mayor should offer a form of financial support to businesses needing to upgrade their vehicles early, or he should allow a degree of flexibility about the introduction of the regulation.  For example, the FTA wants to see the residents’ diesel car “sunset clause”, giving a temporary delay in the requirement, to be extended to small businesses with vehicles which are based in the Zone.”

The FTA has long opposed emissions curbing and new regulations that in its eyes will add bureaucracy and expense to delivery operators inside the M25.

 
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