Commercial GreenFleet
Vans operating in Clean Air Zones Research shows that more than a quarter of businesses which use vans are not aware of plans for Clean Air Zones. But with just over a year to go until they become operational, what can van and truck fleets do to prepare? Several cities across the UK that exceed legal air pollution limits are working on plans to implement Clean Air Zones (CAZs) by 2020, which may charge the drivers of higher emission petrol and diesel vehicles to drive into city centres. Clean Air Zones are being made compulsory in Birmingham, Derby, Southampton, Leeds, and Nottingham. London has its own plans, the Ultra Low Emission Zone, which comes into force in April 2019. However, research shows that more than a quarter of businesses which use vans are not aware of the plans. The survey of 677 businesses that use vans, carried out by independent agency IFF Research for Northgate Vehicle Hire, shows that nationally, 29 per cent do not know about the CAZ initiative. Of those who were aware of CAZ, more than half (55 per cent) said they expect the move will affect their businesses.
“Van drivers are facing a perfect storm. The SMMT says that 99 per cent still run on diesel, which is being hit by increasing fuel prices and taxes. Yet for many businesses, new technologies such as electric vehicles just are not ready to meet their needs – deemed as unaffordable, or incapable of covering sufficient distances between charges.” “While we support efforts to reduce emissions, we believe that government needs to find a balance between tackling emissions while supporting Vankind. That means not just charging people for driving older vans, but also incentivising people to acquire alternatives, and investing in public transport.”
Looking to specific areas, 20 per cent of Hauliers firms using vans in Birmingham, 28 per cent This sentiment is echoed by a coalition of using vans in Leeds, 27 per cent using vans trade bodies representing hauliers, comprising in Derby and 23 per cent using vans in the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Southampton did not know about British Vehicle Rental & Leasing plans for Clean Air Zones. Association (BVRLA), Freight Twenty Of those who were aware Transport Association nine pe of CAZ, 60 per cent in (FTA) and National of van r cent Birmingham, 54 per cent Franchised Dealers in Derby, 50 per cent Association (NFDA). do not operators know a in Leeds, and 52 per The coalition is t he Clea bout cent in Southampton concerned that local n said the move would authorities are rushing (CAZ) in Air Zone i t i affect their business through CAZ plans with a t i ve, accordi Tim Bailey, fleet director little consideration for ng to of Northgate Vehicle Hire, hauliers. This is despite researc h said: “Vans are critical to the haulage industry nearly the success of UK PLC, so halving its NOx emissions it is worrying that users from in four years, they say. builders to home delivery companies The trade bodies have come up are not aware of these changes, less than with a plan, ‘The Way Forward’, which sets two years before CAZs are due to start. out recommendations to help improve E Volume 118 | GREENFLEET MAGAZINE
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