The chief executive of the Freight Transport Association has written to the new mayor of London requesting a meeting to discuss the potentially devastating impact of his plans on the freight industry.
Sadiq Khan has already announced proposals to improve air quality, including an additional central London charge in 2017 which is expected to impact freight vehicles.
He also plans a requirement for vans and lorries to be Euro 6 – the latest emissions requirement for new vehicles to be introduced by the European Commission – across inner London as early as 2018.
The Freight Transport Association says these plans will add substantial cost for freight transport operators, could put some small firms out of work altogether. David Wells sent Mr Khan a copy of FTA’s Freight Manifesto for London, outlining how the mayor and London Assembly can work with the logistics industry to create a stronger economy, safer roads and a cleaner environment.
The association’s 15,000 members operate more than half of the UK freight lorry fleet and consign over 90 per cent of rail freight and 70 per cent of exports by sea and air.