NFDA ‘disappointed’ at Government ULEZ decision

Government has announced their decision to expand London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) to cover the whole of London and from 29 August 2023, drivers will be expected to pay £12.50 a day to enter this boundary.

Cars which will be exempt from this daily charge includes:

• Petrol cars that meet Euro 4 standards. This generally includes petrol cars produced after January 2006. Subject to manufacturer and should be checked using TfL’s identification service.
• Diesel cars that meet Euro 6 standards. This generally applies to any car made after September 2015.
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) recently opposed this expansion in their consultation response.

Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK commented: “Whilst NFDA understands the importance of tackling air pollution in the capital and to combat climate issues, we still believe that this ULEZ expansion proposal is flawed. The Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) expansion will undoubtedly have a disproportionate and adverse effect on London’s most deprived communities and motorists.

“This £12.50 daily charge will hit businesses, key workers and less affluent families the hardest and the additional cost to some of London’s poorest communities will push some families over the brink and force a reduction in their access to private mobility.

“This move is during one of Britain’s worst cost of living crises, rising inflation and steep energy prices. We do not believe that this has been fully considered by Transport for London and looks more and more to be a money-generating scheme for TfL.”