London, UK: The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Road Freight and Logistics is calling for evidence into the impact of Clean Air Zones (CAZ) on the haulage and logistics sector.
The group, which is chaired by former transport minister Sir Mike Penning MP, has devised a series of questions focused on the impact on the haulage industry, the approach taken by local authorities and whether national government has provided enough support for affected businesses and local authorities.
The group is writing to government departments, as well as those local authorities that are planning to introduce charging Clean Air Zones.
Penning said: “We all welcome the Government’s determination to tackle the challenge of air quality in our towns and cities, but it is essential that well intentioned policies do not lead to damaging an industry so vital to the UK economy.
“This inquiry will look at how decisions have been taken and what practical steps can be put in place to ensure that the haulage industry continues to play its essential role throughout our towns and cities.”
The group will be collecting written submissions only. The deadline for written submissions will be 1700 on March 11th 2020. Responses should be sent via email to info@roadfreightappg.org
The list of questions is:
• How will the introduction of Clean Air Zones affect your business?
• Do you feel that plans for Clean Air Zones has been communicated effectively by local authorities and Central Government? If not, what would you like to have seen?
• What support do you believe the Government can provide to minimise disruption from planned Clean Air Zones?
• Do you believe that the planned Clean Air Zones will change behaviour?
• Are you likely to upgrade your fleet as a result of Clean Air Zones? If not, what are the impediments to upgrading?
• What do you believe the Government should be doing differently?
Coventry may start a trend
Controversial plans for a Clean Air Zone in Coventry have been scrapped.
The local authority had been under pressure to cut emissions that are forecast to exceed legal limits.
However, the government has now said it is happy with proposed alternative options, including improving pedestrian and cycle routes on roads. It has given the council £24.5m to help reduce pollution in different ways.
In a letter to the authority, parliamentary under secretary of state MP Rebecca Pow said: “On the basis of evidence provided, I am content you should proceed with implementing your preferred alternative option to a charging CAZ.”
The move was welcomed by the Road Haulage Association which said it was a “victory for common sense” and wondered whether other local authorities will now “follow suit”.
