THE BVRLA has responded to the publication of the government’s revised air quality plan, calling for hard details on clean air plans incentives rather than simply more consultation.
Much of the detail published by Defra before Parliament went into recess for the General Election on June 8 related to guidelines for local authorities to set up chargeable and non-chargeable low emission zones, and also covering such issues as ships’ emissions in ports, generators, and even wood-burning domestic stoves.
Local authorities are already responsible for improving air quality in their area, but will now be expected to develop new and creative solutions to reduce emissions as quickly as possible, while avoiding undue impact on the motorist.
The government is consulting on a range of measures that could be taken to mitigate the impact of action to improve air quality.
It was rushed through in line with the timetable directed by the courts, the government seeking views on these proposals in advance of preparing its final plan for publication by 31 July. All final decisions will be taken by the incoming government. This consultation will run until 15 June.
The suspension of Parliament for the election prevents any official comment or further detail on the consultation, for which there is only a month for comment, as was made clear when we sought clarification on the next process for the new ULEV BIK proposals dropped from the Finance Bill at the last minute.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “We understand the need to address air pollution in the UK, which requires a change in the way we travel and the vehicles we use.
“While we broadly welcome the government’s revised air quality plan – and we look forward to responding to the DEFRA consultation – the automotive industry urgently needs detail on the incentives that are available, not another period of consultation.”
Clean Air Zones
Keaney said: “We’ve long called for a national framework that would require consistent Clean Air Zone (CAZ) emission standards, so it’s good to see this being published. Many of our members are already meeting the standard required by the Mayor of London for his zone which is set to be introduced in 2019.
Rental and leasing companies will be able to offer cars that are 100% compliant with this or any other CAZ that uses the Euro 6 emissions standard. We now need to ensure that zones are consistent across the UK – not only having the same emissions standard requirement, but also in terms of their signage, enforcement and penalties for non-compliance.”
Real driving emissions tests
Keaney added: “From September, new cars launched on to the market will be tested under the new WLTP system, which replaces the 25-year old NEDC test. Our members are already discussing how to implement these new CO2 figures into their quotation engines, but we now need the government to clearly signpost when it will transfer from an NEDC- to a WLTP-based tax system.”
Government procurement policy updating
Keaney commented: “It’s reassuring that the government has listened to our calls and is going to lead by example.
“The current Government Buying Standard focuses on CO2 emissions, so it’s welcome news that the Government’s revised standard will focus on NOx emissions when it is published later this year. This will further encourage public sector fleets to choose ultra-low emission vehicles where possible.”
Diesel scrappage scheme
Keaney said: “It’s disappointing that the government is still consulting on a scrappage scheme, rather than publishing detail about what incentives drivers of older diesel vehicles will be given, and when the scheme will come into effect.
“We believe a national scrappage scheme could make a significant contribution in reducing NOx emissions by removing some of the oldest, most polluting cars and vans from our roads.
“We believe car owners should be encouraged to look at more sustainable modes of transport, and the government should give them credits to use for car rental, car club memberships or public transport.
“Commercial vehicle operators trading in older diesel vehicles should be given a cash incentive – either money off or a discounted lease rate when choosing a Euro 6 van or Euro VI truck.”
Conclusion
He added: “The latest BVRLA statistics show that diesel cars continue to reduce as a proportion of the BVRLA leasing fleet, as use of ultra-low emission vehicles becomes more popular – particularly in urban areas.
“Diesel vehicles remain a vital part of the fleet mix though, as diesel engines are the most energy-efficient internal combustion engines. It is often the most appropriate powertrain for long distance journeys and non-urban freight transportation, and the latest Euro 6 diesel engines have made some major gains in reducing harmful NOx emissions.”
