BMF fears impact of ULEZ
on London trades and merchants
24 April 2023
The Builders Merchants Federation
(BMF) has written to the Mayor of London expressing its concern that Greater
London may become a no- go area for many SME builders and other trades
following the introduction of the expanded ULEZ zone in August.
The Ultra-Low
Emission Zone is set to be expanded on August 29, imposing a £12.50 daily
charge on non-compliant vehicles across all London boroughs.
This means that anyone using a diesel van
registered before September 2016 or petrol van registered before January 2006
will be charged to travel almost anywhere within the M25.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: “This is
likely to impact SME tradespeople operating within the M25 as a significant
proportion rely on non-compliant vehicles for their work. We can foresee a
reluctance on their part to accept new work within the Greater London
Boundary.
“This will have a knock-on effect for
end customers, who will find it more difficult and costly to get work
done. It will also affect sales
turnover at merchant outlets within the new boundary, which will have
consequences on the amounts of stock held and on their staffing levels.
“We have, therefore, written to Sadiq
Khan, the Mayor of London, calling for this policy to be reconsidered.”
The BMF’s action is endorsed by its
members.
Lords
Builders Merchants has 13 branches employing 300 staff operating across Greater
London. CEO, Shanker Patel, said: “We believe the introduction of the ULEZ
extension will hurt the very people it is designed to assist. Transport for
London should look to delay the introduction until such time as the current
high level of inflation reduces, so those affected can afford to change their
vehicles.”
Frank Elkins, Chief Operating Officer
of Travis Perkins, said: “Although we fully appreciate the need to drive the
impact of emissions down across the whole country, we are asking for more time
for residents, tradespersons and workers to be able to adapt.”
Howard Luft, CEO of Selco, added: “The
proposed ULEZ expansion will hurt the residents, workers and tradespeople of
London alike, at a time when many are already experiencing great financial
hardship with the current cost of living crisis in the UK.”