Industry Impact: Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
WHAT IS THE ULTRA LOW EMISSION ZONE?
The ULEZ is a defined area based on current congestion zone area, in which all vehicles will have to meet strict emission requirements or face a daily charge to travel, from 8th April. It follows a Low Emission Zone which was introduced in Greater London in 2008, aimed at uneconomical HGVs. The ULEZ will replace the existing T-Charge, which was introduced on 23 October 2017 to combat the most polluting vehicles.
WHAT’S THE COST?
The ULEZ will also be enforced on top of the Congestion Charge and will charge non-compliant vehicles £12.50 a day and will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If your car doesn’t meet the emissions requirements, you’ll have to pay £12.50 per day to enter the Ultra-Low Emissions Zones. Buses, coaches and HGVs, meanwhile, will be hit with a £100 charge.
WHY IS IT BEING INTRODUCED?
The government state that air pollution is the most significant facing London and the health of Londoners today, the ULEZ is aimed at combating air pollution and discouraging drivers from entering the most polluted areas in unsuitable vehicles. By 2021 the ULEZ will be London wide and extend as far as the North and South Circular Roads.
WHAT VEHICLES WILL BE EFFECTED?
Motorbikes that do not meet Euro 3 standards. Petrol cars and vans that do not meet Euro IV standards (cars that are no more than fifteen years old by 2021), Diesel cars and vans that do not meet Euro VI standards (which is roughly those that are more than six years old by 2021).
HOW IT COULD IMPACT THE INDUSTRY?
For those looking at haulage into London and into areas where the ULEZ will apply it will likely mean an increase to costs. If HGVs aren’t working to the required standards that could be as much as a £100 increase. For a number of hauliers who are working with older vehicles and not meeting the Euro VI standards it could mean re-investment in a new fleet, which will again, impact costs. It’s likely from 8th April hauliers will be increasing prices for movements into central London to reflect the ULEZ charges.
HOW ARE MALTACOURT PLANNING FOR THE CHANGE?
We’ve been monitoring the ULEZ for some time now and have already upgraded 50% of our fleet to meet the Euro VI requirements and combat the ULEZ charges. We will also be looking at further upgrades over time to ensure our fleet is fully complaint. We’re confident we’ll be able to support our clients and partners with minimal impact.