Electric Vehicle operators penalised

Logistics UK has said the London Congestion Charge for electric vehicles will penalise operators, who currently operate in the capital without facing a charge.

Logistics UK has said Transport for London’s (TfL) consultation on the Congestion Charge recognises the importance of commercial vehicles to the economy by creating a clear distinction between commercial vehicles and domestic road users, however the new proposals will still present a significant increase in costs for electric vehicle operators.

Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager – Road Freight Regulation, Chris Yarsley, said: “It is vital TfL incentivise operators to decarbonise fleets and we continue to press for the continued exemption from the charge for electric vans and HGVs. Any increase in charges is a disincentive for operators to serve the capital and congestion charges should be used to encourage road users to use alternative modes of transport – an option that is not available to logistics operators.

“Operators have made significant investments moving to electric vehicles and they simply cannot afford to soak up additional costs so it is likely that any increase in charges will have to be passed on which will ultimately lead to increased prices for the end user.

“London depends on logistics businesses to keep the capital stocked with everything its businesses and consumers rely on every day, and the transition to alternatively fuelled vehicles should be incentivised, not penalised in this way.”