Nicholas De Juniac, UK General Manager of Zoomo, seeks to educate businesses about the full potential of alternative vehicles, rather than the focus being on the punitive aspects of the emissions zones.
Nicholas sympathises with the difficulty many businesses are facing when it comes to understanding the government’s decision, but highlights a reality where we don’t need to choose between the environment and economy. The expansion of the ULEZ is an opportunity for businesses to embrace environmentally friendly vehicles and save money simultaneously.
Nicholas De Juniac
Zoomo ULEZ commentary
“We continue to see a complex debate centered around the environment versus the economy in relation to London’s expanded Ultra Low Emissions Zone. It is a tricky conversation, pulled in both directions by growing fears of climate disaster and recessionary pressures. In many ways the government’s decision to prioritise our environment by expanding ULEZ has been difficult for businesses to comprehend. But the reality is, we don’t need to choose between environment and economy.
In fact, the expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone is an opportunity for businesses to embrace environmentally friendly vehicles and save money simultaneously.
An LEV (Light Electric Vehicle) represents a crucial part of the solution from an environmental perspective. With their lightweight design and electric motor, LEVs require less energy, resulting in a reduced carbon footprint. Additionally, their compact size helps alleviate physical congestion on busy city streets, contributing to improved traffic flow and a more sustainable urban environment.
At first glance, the upfront costs of adopting LEVs might seem daunting, especially given that second hand ICE vans can often be bought for much cheaper. However the low purchase price of second hand ICE vehicles hides many ongoing costs that make LEVs much more competitive.
Government policies, such as scrappage schemes and incentives, can help bring down these initial costs for LEVs and make the transition more affordable for businesses. What’s more, the ongoing operational expenses of LEVs are significantly lower than those of conventional vehicles and Zoomo, among other companies, strives to offer cost-effective solutions for businesses through leasing options and reliable servicing.
Making the switch to LEVs brings substantial savings for businesses across various aspects. Not only can they save on fees and fines related to emissions zones like ULEZ, but they can also benefit from reduced insurance, parking, and fuel expenses. The numbers speak for themselves, with potential savings of up to £813m for businesses that switch from diesel van deliveries to LEVs in London. The efficiency gains are also impressive, with LEVs enabling goods to be delivered 60 percent faster than vans in city centers, ensuring more productive and streamlined operations.
There are a number of businesses already embracing the transition to LEVs. Evri has recently incorporated 15 EAV cargo bikes into their delivery fleet via the Zoomo platform, which will allow them to navigate through narrow London streets, pedestrian zones, and other areas where traditional delivery vans may face restrictions or difficulty accessing. It’s not just parcel players jumping on the bandwagon, we’re also seeing the mobile workforce make the switch – London’s oldest chimney sweep company, H. Firkins & Sons, has recently invested in a cargo bike to beat the ULEZ charges.
Instead of focusing solely on the punitive aspects of the emissions zones, let us seize the opportunity to educate businesses about the full potential of alternative vehicles. Our collective efforts can foster a positive shift towards LEVs and build a more sustainable future for all. Together, we can embrace this transformation and create a cleaner, greener London for generations to come.”
