(qlmbusinessnews.com Tues. 8th Oct, 2024) London, UK —
London Businesses Demand Extension of Electric Van Congestion Charge Exemption
More than 40 businesses, including Ocado, the AA, and the Federation of Small Businesses, have called on the Mayor of London to extend the congestion charge exemption for electric vans. Currently, electric vans are exempt from the £15 daily fee, but this exemption is set to end by Christmas, leaving businesses facing additional costs.
In an open letter, the signatories warned that ending the exemption would impose an annual cost of £5,500 per vehicle, potentially harming companies that have invested heavily in cleaner vehicles to improve air quality.
The letter highlighted that many businesses had taken on debt to transition to electric fleets, describing the exemption as “fundamental” to easing the financial burden. “If this exemption is removed, it will impose a significant cost on businesses during an already challenging economic period,” the letter stated. “Worse, it will hinder the efforts of companies committed to moving away from diesel to greener alternatives.”
Oliver Lord from Clean Cities, which is spearheading the campaign, criticised the decision, saying, “It defies logic that a diesel van would be charged the same as an electric vehicle in the UK's most polluted area.”
City Hall has responded, saying it is working with Transport for London (TfL) to explore ways to mitigate the impact of phasing out the exemption and provide further support for businesses adopting cleaner vehicles. Measures under consideration include freight consolidation and expanding cargo bike deliveries.
A spokesperson for the mayor added, “We are also collaborating with the government on national initiatives such as the extension of the plug-in van grant, which could make a significant difference for businesses.”
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