FSB welcomes TfL’s stance on Low Emission Zone

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has today welcomed Transport for London’s (TfL) consensual approach to the introduction of the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

TfL has announced a 28 day warning period for vehicles affected by the LEZ, which will impose daily charges on vehicles that drive into greater London and do not meet certain EU emission standards. This would give hauliers who drive into the zone from February 4 more time to bring their vehicles into compliance.

The FSB had been concerned that some businesses were unaware of the scheme. It welcomed the extra time they will now have to prepare, either by buying new vehicles, converting engines to meet the EU standard or making arrangements to avoid the LEZ altogether.

Chris Glen, FSB Transport Chairman, said:

“Whichever way you look at it, the Low Emission Zone will be costly for hauliers and many small businesses.

“We support the principle of improving London’s air quality but we need to make sure that people are aware of the scheme in advance and can make changes to their businesses so that costs can be kept low.

“Transport for London’s approach to the introduction of the scheme is very welcome news indeed. This will give businesses that weren’t aware of the scheme and have vehicles that don’t meet the emission standards more time to prepare.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The LEZ will impose daily charges of between £100 and £200 on heavy goods vehicles that emit certain levels of pollution. The penalties for failing to pay will be as high as £1,000. From the date of issue of warning letters (after February 4) operators will have 28 calendar days to take action. During the warning letter period operators will not need to pay the daily charge. If operators can demonstrate they have sought to comply with the emissions standards, then they can apply to TfL for a refund of the daily charges, provided they can supply appropriate evidence. More details of the Low Emission Zone are available at www.tfl.gov.uk/lez.

2. Small businesses employ 58% of the private sector workforce, contribute over 50% of UK GDP and make up more than 99% of all UK businesses.

3. The FSB is Britain’s biggest business organisation with over 210,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.

Contacts:

Stephen Alambritis: 020 7592 8112 / 07788 422155
Simon Briault: 020 7592 8128 / 07917 628998

Belinda Webb: 020 7592 8121 / 07825 125 695

For regional FSB contacts please go to www.fsb.org.uk/regions