BMF says ULEZ “is bad news”

The BMF, the Builders Merchants Federation, has said it is disappointed at the High Court ruling which supports the expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone.

The high court ruled against the challenge brought by the boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon, and Surrey County Council, it found that the Mayor of London’s plan to expand the scheme is lawful.

CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation, John Newcomb, said: “We are disappointed by the High Court’s decision, which is bad news for London’s building industry. We will continue to press for changes to the scheme to protect jobs and the local economy. In particular, we are campaigning for a targeted commercial vehicle scrappage scheme, and a 12-month delay before the expanded scheme goes live.”

The BMF has written to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, twice to express concern that neighbourhoods in the expanded ULEZ zone could become no-go areas for the building trade, it has suggested a targeted commercial vehicle scrappage scheme instead.

“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,” said Newcomb

The BMF has been calling for a 12-month delay to the Greater London ULEZ scheme to help businesses in the building materials supply industry reliant on lorries and vans.