Trading conditions on British high streets could be more difficult for businesses following the announcement of the government’s plans on air quality, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
The plan fails to give any clarity or certainty over what will happen, but it could result in diesel vehicles being restricted in 38 cities and towns across the UK. The FTA, says these kinds of restrictions could potentially directly penalise operators who are providing vital goods and services to businesses and consumers. The FTA also say that high street prices could increase to cover the costs of transportation.
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Christopher Snelling, Head of National and Regional Policy of the FTA, had this to say: “At a time when British businesses, particularly sole traders and SMEs, are under intense financial pressure, a clean air plan that will penalise vital logistics operators and prevent them from reaching customers in our towns and cities would be a massive blow,”
He continued: “With hardworking families already feeling the strain caused by rising inflation and continued economic uncertainty about Brexit, the announcement will increase the pressure on small businesses and the high street, the backbone of the UK’s trading environment.
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He continued: “Truck and van users will be furious when they see how the Government is targeting commercial vehicles in its proposals. The latest generation of HGVs are the cleanest vehicles on the road but also the most expensive. The real problem is 12 million diesel cars yet there is nothing in the Consultation to support commercial vehicle users through these changes. This is another example of politics getting in the way of progress.”
Under the new plan, which was announced on the 5th May, vans older than just 2 and a half years, as well as lorries older than 5 years, will be charged a fee every day for entering a Clean Air Zone. According to the FTA’s Van Excellence Report 2016, there are currently more tan 4 million vans on Britains roads.
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