The BVRLA has joined with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), Freight Transport Association (FTA), and the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) in raising concerns about the way HGVs are treated in future Clean Air Zones (CAZ).
The associations have written a joint letter to Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, calling for Government support in ensuring that the introduction of CAZs will not unfairly hit businesses who rely upon HGVs.
The proposed HGV charges for all trucks other than the latest Euro VI models is typically £100 per day, which could equate to an additional 25% on the daily running cost of a non-compliant vehicle.
Unfortunately, it is SMEs and small businesses that will be worst affected under the current approach, as these operators are often those that are least equipped to absorb such a financial blow.
The coalition is working to secure a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss this issue on behalf of the commercial vehicle sector, which transports 152 billion tonnes of goods each year and is vital to driving the UK economy.
The letter sent to the Minister can be read in full here on the BVRLA website.
A press release issued on 18 April 2018 can also be read in full here.