Low emission zone to hit truckers hard says NFDA

‘London’s new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will have a serious impact on heavy goods vehicle operators, and the truck sector is paying a high price,’ according to Sue Robinson, Director of the RMI’s National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) commenting on the start of emissions-based congestion charging in London.

Under the new rules, operators of lorries, buses and coaches which do not meet the Low Emission Zone emissions standards of Euro III for particulate matter will have to pay a charge of £200.

Robinson continues: ‘To avoid paying the charge, operators will need to either upgrade or replace their vehicles. Considering the cost of these vehicles, very few will be able to replace an entire fleet at once, and upgrades will also be costly.’

‘Some may be forced out of business. This could have a wider impact, further strangling the already hard-pressed HGV operators, and hitting truck retailers too in the long run.

‘The environment must be protected, and we fully support the intentions behind the establishment of the LEZ, but the needs of business and the wider economy must also be considered. We continue to take this message to Government,’ added Robinson.