Following the announcement by Transport for London (TfL) on 28 September that the enforcement of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and the tightening of the London-wide Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will be implemented on 1 March, 2021, Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK’s Head of Urban Policy has expressed concern that the impact of introducing the schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic would have a detrimental effect on the haulage industry.

Natalie 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.”

She added: “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 aide 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.”

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses from the road, rail, sea, and air transport industries.

Photo: Natalie Chapman