London, UK: Transport for London’s increase in funding for businesses needing to replace vans and HGVs with newer, cleaner models that meet tighter emission zone rules later this year, is welcome news says the Freight Transport Association.
The FTA believes this funding is vital for the mayor of London to achieve his clean air ambition without placing a heavy financial burden on local businesses.
Natalie Chapman, head of south of England and urban policy, FTA, said: “While businesses within the logistics sector are determined to play their part in improving London’s air quality, they must have the right financial support in place; many simply do not have the resources to replace their existing fleets to meet the new, required emission standards.
“By doubling payments for van scrappage and expanding the criteria for support, TfL [Transport for London] has shown it is committed to easing the financial burden its clean air ambition places on the industry.
“FTA will work closely with TfL to ensure the scheme supports the businesses expected to be hardest hit by the ULEZ [ultra low emission zone] and LEZ [low emission zone].
“And while we are especially pleased to see TfL is developing a funding programme for HGVs – and look forward to seeing the details of this emerge in the coming months – we are calling for the body to recognise that currently there are very few retrofit options available for HGVs. As such, whole vehicle replacement is the only viable option for the vast majority of the HGV fleet.”
