Britain’s Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned reactivation of London’s vehicle charging schemes will choke business recovery.
London Mayor, Sadiq Khan introduced Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charging in the capital from 18 May.
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However, the RHA has branded the timing of the move ‘shockingly nonsensical,’ accusing London’s mayor of ignoring the economic impact the pandemic is having on firms operating in the capital.
“It’s incredibly late notice and far too early to reimpose crippling levies when firms are trying to salvage what’s left of their businesses,” said RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett.
“The economy will only recover with pragmatic political leadership at national and local levels clearing away the hurdles to help businesses back on their feet.
“But London has chosen a different path – adding weight to the view that its leaders fail to grasp the logic an economy only thrives when goods can be moved efficiently.”
The move comes amid wider RHA concerns about the mayor’s plans to ‘reallocate’ road space and the practical and economic impacts these will have on firms delivering in the capital.
