On Tuesday 15 August, The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) held a productive meeting with representatives from Transport for London (TfL) to discuss details of the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), due to come into effect on 29 August 2023.
The meeting fostered positive discussions around the significance of the ULEZ and the role franchised dealers can play in helping reduce air pollution and promoting public health.
NFDA raised concerns around the £12.50 daily charge due to be introduced later this month which would place a further burden on motorists, during a severe cost of living crisis, wishing to use their vehicle within the substantially expanded ULEZ area.
Also discussed was the recently enlarged £160m scrappage scheme. NFDA outlined their support but highlighted that only 40% of current funds had been utilised and pushed TfL for more information about how motorists can access these funds and how they will be distributed.
NFDA also expressed their concern that recent media reports of some local councils are not constructing adequate warning signs to inform motorists that they will be entering a ‘charge zone’, TfL confirmed that contingency plans were in place for the scheme due to be introduced in less than two weeks.
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK commented:
“Whilst the NFDA believes that environmental consciousness and public health are vitally important, the ULEZ's impact on businesses and drivers must be thoroughly evaluated to avoid unintended consequences that could negatively affect the London economy and impact some of its least affluent residents. We have called for ongoing dialogue with TfL to find equitable solutions that achieve emission reduction goals without disproportionately burdening businesses and drivers."
ENDS –
NOTES TO EDIOTRS -
- Mayor says expanding ULEZ was a difficult but necessary decision and vows not to step back from tackling air quality and taking climate action to safeguard the health and future of every Londoner
- Mayor and TfL have continued to listen to Londoners and today can announce that scrappage grants of up to £2,000 will be available to every single Londoner with a non-compliant car or motorcycle
- Mayor has also listened to businesses and has announced that the scrappage payment for vans will increase from £5,000 to £7,000. Small businesses and sole traders will be able to scrap three vans or minibuses in addition to increasing retrofit payments from £5,000 to £6,000.
- Additional support will also be available to charities with increased payments available for minibuses from £7,000 to £9,000, and disabled Londoners will see wheelchair adapted vehicle grants double.
- The Mayor plans to use £50m of City Hall’s reserves to fund these changes - taking the total put into the Mayor’s scrappage fund to £160m and the most generous scrappage scheme ever seen in the UK
- 90 percent of cars seen driving in outer London on an average day are already ULEZ-compliant
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) is the leading representative body for the UK’s automotive franchised car, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle retailers. The NFDA retains around 85% of the 4,500 franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers within membership and among our members are some of the UK’s largest companies, including Arnold Clark, Sytner Group and Lookers. The automotive retail sector is one of the pillars of the UK economy; employing 555,000 of the 800,000 people working in the automotive sector and has a turnover of around £200 billion.
Adam Weeks, NFDA Communications Officer
Direct: 020 7307 3413
Mobile: 0788 003 9897
Email: adam.weeks@rmif.co.uk
