23 April 2019
8 April 2019 was a pivotal day for city transport with Transport for London bringing into force Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) in the city centre. As a major step to reducing polluting emissions, other cities around the UK are watching the results.
Badged under the banner of assisting the capital in making its air less polluted, the new change provides a financial charge on those vehicles (motorbikes, petrol and diesel cars, buses, coaches and lorries) that do not meet certain European standards. Euro 3 for motorbikes, Euro 4 standards for petrol cars and Euro 6 standards for the rest.
Most vehicles will be charged a flat fee of £12.50 per day with buses, coaches and lorries charged £100 a day.
The proof of the pudding will be in the eating but Transport for London hopes that this will reduce the number of polluting cars in the capital and that toxic emissions from road transport will reduce by 45% in two years.
But will it?
Will people and businesses be able to adapt their travel plans overnight to avoid these areas, or will they all just be lumbered with another financial burden? I feel it will be the latter in the very short term, as the Federation of Small Businesses fear, a survey of their members highlights that many are very worried about the future of their businesses as a result of the additional cost burden.
This may very well turn into the prompt/boost that the electric car industry needs to widen its appeal and offerings to the general public by the provision of additional charging points, faster-charging batteries and longer life batteries but I feel we are in a chicken and egg scenario of what should come first - the cars or the infrastructure?
If you need advice on this area of capital expenditure or your financial burden under the new Ultra Low Emission Zone, then please contact one of our specialist automotive sector team.
