Cambridge, UK: The RHA has welcomed reports that Cambridge City Council will scrap plans for a congestion charge which would have meant a £50 daily charge for HGVs. Concerns had grown about the impact of a proposed peak time congestion charge amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Cambridge City Council leader councilor Mike Davey told the BBC the plans were “not going to go ahead” after the Labour group on the council decided to withdraw its support.
Chris Ashley, RHA policy lead, environment and vehicles, said: “These reports are welcome in light of cost-of-living challenges – a rethink of the approach is needed.
“We all want better air quality and less congestion, but we must find ways which avoid causing financial problems for communities and businesses.
“We’re committed to working with public authorities to put in place workable solutions that clean up our environment. This should include greater investment in the infrastructure needed to power zero-emission commercial vehicles and, from central government, tax breaks such as a fuel duty rebate linked to emissions reduction.”
Last month the RHA urged policy makers to learn lessons from the London ULEZ and clean air zones and better support the transition to cleaner fuels. Ashley said policies like ULEZ did not allow a second-hand market of affordable, compliant vehicles to develop.
“We need to learn these lessons as we continue the journey to net zero. We must think differently – there are other ways to improve air quality.
“The rules must be attainable for everyone – we’ve got to make it easier for people and businesses to move away from fossil fuels.”
