An announcement from London City Hall late last month confirmed that the enforcement of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and the increase restrictions and tightening of the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will continue as planned on 1 March 2021 irregardless of the economical impact COVID-19 has caused.
Logistics UK’s Natalie Chapman, Head of Urban Policy said:
“Logistics UK and its members fully support the Mayor of London’s ambition to improve road safety and reduce air pollution in the capital. However, we have raised concerns with TfL regarding the economic impacts these schemes would place on the industry.
Therefore, given the immense financial and operational pressure the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on logistics businesses, we are disappointed to see the Mayor of London has not further delayed the introduction of both schemes.
“In order to meet the necessary requirements of the DVS scheme, a significant proportion of vehicles will need to have additional equipment fitted. However, there are no financial support packages to assist with DVS compliance which will make delivery of the Mayor’s Vision Zero strategy more costly during this difficult time.
“Logistics UK does however welcome the launch of the HGV scrappage scheme which will aid small businesses, within the Greater London area, to upgrade their vehicles in order to comply with the tightening of the emissions standards for the LEZ.”
Hopefully we hear word of some form of financial support schemes being arranged before the March 2021 deadline to ensure this does not cost more jobs and more livelihoods.