TfL’s scheme was introduced in February 2019 to help small businesses replace older more polluting vehicles with ones that meet the standards for the capital’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).
In January, TfL announced it was doubling payments for its van scrappage scheme to £7,000, after a poor take up of the initial offer. The scheme has since provided £30m worth of funding towards new, cleaner vans in London.
TfL said that due to “unprecedented demand and limited funds”, the scheme is now cancelled. Any van scrappage applications submitted prior to 17:00 on 28 August 2020 will be processed as normal.
Businesses that were considering replacing any non-compliant vans will now have to meet the costs themselves or face a daily charge to enter the zone.
BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said: “This is very disappointing for BVRLA members who were looking to use the scheme to help with the financial burden of a switch to less polluting vehicles, but understandable when looking at the financial challenges facing TfL.
“The BVRLA would like to highlight the need for a clean freight fund (partly for vans, partly for trucks) which will be essential to help local authorities help local businesses impacted by charging Clean Air Zones (CAZs).”
