Martin Reid, RHA Scotland & NI Director

Martin Reid

RHA Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland.

LOW EMISSION ZONE - THINK OF BUSINESSES

The last month has seen another period of consultation begin regarding the introduction of another Low Emission Zone, this time for Edinburgh. This particular consultation looks at two stages of LEZ being introduced: a city centre LEZ by the end of 2021 (implementation for commercial vehicles) and a city-wide LEZ (again for commercial vehicles) by the end of 2023.

The Defra Clean Air Zone Framework (2017) requires local authorities to improve air quality in their areas and I don’t think anyone can really complain at the thought of cleaner air for all. I think the problem comes in when many of the approaches used can focus on certain vehicle types, ignoring many other factors. For example, the consultation surrounding the Edinburgh city centre LEZ place restrictions on tricks, buses, taxis and (albeit with a longer lead in time), cars but there is a train station at either end of the zones. Please don’t take this as me tearing into rail transport, I am most definitely not, in fact I am constantly preaching to Govt that we need a fully integrated transport network. My point is this, if a business invests in an asset, such as a truck, train, bus, taxi or even car, they should be allowed to run that to the end of the change cycle. There is no CVRAS accredited retrofit option for trucks, so legislation is forcing businesses to make the decision to replace vehicles prematurely, refuse to enter cities imposing fines, or pay the fines/charges levied, all of which have severe financial impacts on business. Since 2013 the HGV sector has reduced its NOx figures by around 50% through the uptake of Euro VI and natural fleet changes. What happens to the haulier who invests in Euro VI today who finds out the goalposts may yet change again in a couple of years? It’s not so long ago that Govt were telling hauliers to invest in Euro V, so it can definitely happen. Data published by the National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI) show that NOx emissions from lorries and buses (i.e. heavy vehicles) is declining and accounted for 7.6% of total NOx emissions in 2015. The proportion of NOx emissions from other transport and passenger cars has increased (+3% and +1.5% respectively). Everyone deserves clear air but if the emergent LEZ’s took cognisance of the fact the industry is cleaning itself up at a rapid rate and respected the investment cycles of businesses then it would put less pressure on those trying to engage with the new legislation. Let’s hope that when the time comes for the Irish cities to set up there equivalent to CAZ/LEZ (because there is little doubt they will come) then those making the decisions take this fully on board.

New Ferry Route

The RHA have recently been in dialogue with a company called Tec Offshore who are funding the set up of two ferries to run from Rosyth in East Scotland to Eemshaven in Northern Holland. The advent of Brexit has made all the Govt’s re-examine their trade routes to and from Europe and there seems to be an appetite for this route to get up and running soon. In fact, the company states that they will be ready to start movements as soon as October of this year. The ferries will carry 120 trucks, 300 vehicles and 2000 passengers as well as boasting 357 cabins (single berth for commercial drivers). They are keen to attract freight coming from NI so we will keep you posted as to the progress made but they plan daily sailings and they will run initially for a full 5-year period.

John Joins RHA

We are delighted to announce that John Martin has taken up the newly created post

Low emission

ZONE

of Policy Manager (NI). John is well known in haulage circles across the country having had a long and distinguished career in career in the Department for Infrastructure, working his way up from a vehicle and driving examiner, to head of the Transport Regulation Unit. Many readers will know that John was also Department’s chief transport enforcement officer for 15 years, the deputy head of the Transport Regulation Unit for over four years, and the interim traffic regulator for 18 months. He brings with him considerable transport policy experience working with DVSA, DfT and the EC. John’s appointment heralds the start of an exciting period for the RHA in Northern Ireland and he will be the first point of contact for members, politicians, civil servants and media. John will be using his considerable experience and knowledge to support members, challenge politicians and promote the road haulage sector throughout these challenging times.