Last week the BVRLA co-hosted an event with TfL to discuss the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which comes into force within London from 8 April 2019.
The event aimed to help plan and develop a marketing and communications campaign aimed at SME van drivers that are likely to be impacted by the ULEZ.
Fifty representatives from government, business, fleet management and vehicle suppliers such as auctioneers all attended to share insights and contribute to the campaign plans.
As explained by one of the event speakers, James Davis from Cox Automotive, approximately 80% of vans currently on the UK roads would not be compliant with the standards required by the new zone.
The ULEZ will operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week within the current congestion charge area. The new emissions standards are as follows and will operate 24/7, seven days a week:
• Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
• Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro VI for lorries, buses and coaches and other specialist heavy vehicles
The event was planned in response to the lack of awareness amongst van users of the new regulations. The organisers sought to use the session to identify ways to increase awareness of the ULEZ and its impact on van users, as well as to highlight solutions such as the purchase of used, compliant vans and alternative options such as leasing, renting and car club vans.
Although the event was focussed on the London ULEZ discussions also turned to the upcoming series of charging Clean Air Zones (CAZs) that will be implemented across UK cities in the next few years. More information about the BVRLA’s views and recommendations for such zones is available in the association’s related factsheet.
The BVRLA will continue to work proactively with TfL to hone plans ahead of the launch of the ULEZ next April. If you would like to be involved in the association's CAZ-related activities contact BVRLA Public Affairs Manager, Rachael Hewish.
