LEZ may encourage hauliers to rent freight trucks
Date: 28 March 2008
The introduction of the low emission zone (LEZ) in London may mean it is more cost effective for some haulage companies to rent trucks.
Speaking to Motor Transport, John Lewis of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) claims that for short-term London work it may well be worth renting lorries rather than upgrading to new, cleaner haulage vehicles.
He said: "Regardless of what people think about the LEZ, and many think it little more than yet another tax to bolster Ken Livingstone's coffers, everyone has a right to trade in and out of London.
"But the level of that trading may well not justify investment in a Euro 3 or newer, vehicle."
Transport for London believes that around 50,000 freight vehicles are entering the LEZ each week, and around 4,000 of these are non-compliant.
Hauliers operating non-compliant vehicles have to pay a £500 fine if they fail to pay the daily charge.
Groups such as the Freight Transport Association have warned that the zone could force companies to lay off staff or even close down altogether.
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