Central London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is due to come into effect in 2020, but the FTA believes that introducing congestion charge discounts to operators of Euro 6 vehicles now, could significantly improve air quality in the capital.

The Alternative Fuel Discount was scrapped in 2010 and since then the only discounts available on the Congestion Charge are for cleaner cars - there are no incentives to encourage investment in cleaner commercial vehicles. 

  
Christopher Snelling, FTA’s Head of Urban Logistics and Regional Policy said,
 “Businesses are already operating some Euro 6 HGVs today, despite the costs involved.  If TfL provided the right incentives, we could ensure that those vehicles are used sooner in central London, which faces some of the most difficult air quality challenges in Europe.”

 
Snelling added, “Offering a discount for Euro 6 commercial vehicles could help ensure that fleets speed up the purchase of newer vehicles and move these cleanest vehicles to the capital today, giving those living and working in central London many of the benefits of the ULEZ right now. Public authorities sometimes seem to only pursue their aims via increased regulation and cost for business.  FTA believes that there should be a more balanced approach, with positive measures to support industry and improve the quality of life.”