Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The BMF is calling for a 12 month delay to the ULEZ scheme, in the Greater London area, to help businesses.
The Builders Merchant Federation has written twice to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, outlining their concern of the impact ULEZ will have to their members.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “The BMF is calling for a targeted commercial vehicle scrappage scheme and is supporting calls for a 12 month delay to the ULEZ expansion, scheduled for August.
“BMF members recognise the importance of air quality and as responsible employers our members take a number of steps to ensure fuel efficiency and the health and wellbeing of staff. However, we firmly believe that a 12 month delay to the start of the ULEZ expansion will allow businesses and individuals to prepare, especially in relation to the availability of compliant vehicles.”
TFL analysis showed that 51% of vans in outer London did not meet ULEZ criteria at the end of last year. The market for second-hand commercial vehicles is not sufficient to supply the number or type required.
Newcomb also said: “TFL’s suggested options for ‘last mile’ deliveries, such as e-cargo bikes, may be ideal for some industries, but by the very nature of our trade, we have no choice but to use HGVs, trucks and vans to deliver our products, which is why we have long favoured a targeted scrappage scheme for commercial vehicles.”
