The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is urging West Yorkshire businesses to make their voices heard or risk incurring significant additional operating costs, as Leeds City Council consults on plans for a new Clean Air Zone in the city.
The consultation, which runs from 2 January until 2 March, 2018 is accessible at www.leeds.gov.uk/business/pages/air-quality.aspx and via the Clean Air Leeds twitter account @CleanAirLeedsCC.
The geographical size of the proposed scheme announced on Tuesday, 5 December 2017 comprises all areas within the city’s ring road and is more extensive than many local companies had been expecting. FTA warns they need to make their objections to the council and start planning now, to minimise cost and disruption.
Leeds is one of five English cities which were instructed to introduce a Clean Air Zone as part of government plans to improve air quality in urban areas. Leeds City Council has published a draft consultation document outlining proposals for its local scheme. Under the plans, trucks and buses which do not meet the Euro VI emissions standard will have to pay a daily charge of £100 to operate within the zone. The final plans are likely to be implemented by the end of 2019.
FTA has been keeping its members updated on developments in Leeds and believes that whatever the final extent of the scheme, many businesses in West Yorkshire are likely to face significant extra costs, which will ultimately be passed on to local residents or force businesses into potentially difficult financial situations. FTA Head of Policy for the North of England, Malcolm Bingham, said logistics and freight firms are now facing tough choices. “The plans announced for the Leeds Clean Air Zone are much more extensive than anticipated and will come as a shock to many West Yorkshire businesses. Whether companies operate a single van or a large fleet of trucks, they must establish how they will be affected by these proposals and send their comments to Leeds City Council. This is the last chance to have an impact on the final scheme.”