Go green or don’t go
Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be introduced in London in 2020
Recognising the need to reduce urban emissions in the Capital, drivers of older diesel and petrol vehicles will need to pay a ULEZ charge on top of the Congestion Charge to travel in central London from 7 September 2020. Petrol and diesel vehicles will need to meet the Euro 4 petrol or Euro 6 diesel standards respectively to be exempt from the ULEZ charge.
Transport for London (TfL) says the daily charge for non-compliant vehicles will be £12.50 for cars and vans, and £100 for HGVs. Failure to pay the charge will result in a £165 fine for car drivers, which falls to £130 if paid within a fortnight. The penalty for HGVs is £1,000, falling to £500 if paid within 14 days.
With the release of this huge legislative news, FleetPoint have talked to industry experts to see what it means for them:
British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association Chief Executive Gerry Keaney:
“The London Ultra Low Emission Zone is an essential part of the Mayor’s plan for tackling the Capital’s air quality problems and it is unlikely to be the last such scheme introduced across the UK. We continue to call for the government to provide a framework for such zones so that they can be introduced in a standardised way in other cities.
“Motorists have sensibly been given five years to prepare for the ULEZ. Car clubs, daily rental companies and leasing providers will be there to provide businesses and consumers with compliant vehicles, whether they live in London, visit it regularly or just make the occasional trip.”
Natalie Chapman – FTA’s Head of Policy London said:
“FTA want to see some help for those who will find it harder to comply as the second hand market for Euro VI vehicles will not have fully matured by then, and unlike previous phases of the London Low Emission Zone, there will be no retrofit option available – essentially this means purchasing a brand new truck or van.
“FTA would also reiterate previous calls to incentivise companies currently operating Euro VI commercial vehicles by offering them a discount to the Congestion Charge. This would mean that they could ensure that fleets move their newest and cleanest vehicles to the capital, giving those living and working in Central London some of the benefits of the ULEZ immediately.”
RAC chief engineer David Bizley said:
“Overall, we believe that TfL’s proposals for establishing an Ultra Low Emission Zone from 2020 are appropriate and balance the need to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions with the associated impact on individuals and businesses.
“However, we think it is wrong to penalise motorists and businesses who may have bought small fuel-efficient diesel cars since 2006 in the belief that they were making the right environmental choice at the time due to their vehicle’s low carbon dioxide emissions.
“Since then evidence has come to light that the previous generation of diesel emission standards (Euro 4 and 5) that applied to these post-2006 vehicles have not delivered all of the reduction in emissions of nitrogen dioxide and have not been as great as forecast because the internationally agreed tests that the vehicles have to pass have not adequately reflected real world driving.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive:
“The London ULEZ will play a key role in driving the market for ultra low emission vehicles in Europe’s leading mega city, and set a precedent not only in the UK but around the world. SMMT supports this vision and wants to see London meet its air quality and climate change targets, while driving innovation and supporting jobs. We are pleased to see the Mayor has recognised that the latest diesel technology has a place in an Ultra Low Emissions Zone. It is only by encouraging motorists to invest in the latest, lowest emission technology, regardless of vehicle or fuel type, that the Mayor’s vision be fully realised.”
