The Road Haulage Association says that the government needs to rethink its approach on improving air quality as it is failing to deliver on its own policies.
Leeds and Birmingham City Councils have both announced that the launch of their 2020 clean air zones have been ‘significantly postponed’, blaming government delays in delivering key digital. New dates have yet to be announced.
RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett believes the government needs to encourage local authorities to look at congestion-easing measures if they’re serious about reducing emissions.
“It’s time for a rethink on improving air quality. Clean air zones will prove ineffective if they keep disproportionately targeting HGVs while ignoring other factors and vehicle types,” he said. “Their delays in getting the technology ready postpones the arrival of enforceable zones in two key cities, but for operators facing the prospect of £50 per day charges it’s a delay, not a reprieve.”
