It’s been hanging over the industry like a bad smell for some months now, but the question has finally been answered: What will the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) proposals for London look like?
Cast your mind back, and you will recall that the proposal by former Mayor Boris Johnson was for Euro 6 in an area bounded by the current Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ).
It was a tough call, but operators have been preparing since then with orders for Euro 6 coaches to meet the call.
Come the election last May of Sadiq Khan and a reappraisal took place, raising the threat of effectively a London-wide ULEZ at Euro 6.
This is still on the cards, but the immediate worry is his decision to bring forward the ULEZ by 18 months to April 2019.
And, if you think that’s bad, then look at the very one-sided consultation online (the only way you can respond). While there is space for comments, it asks just six questions, one of which is about residents, the other about disabled people’s cars.
You need to read the scant consultation, look carefully at your fleet, and then put together a very carefully reasoned and argued response. Importantly, you need to tell the Mayor what the effect of his policy will be on London’s economy – his chief worry at the moment.
If it’s going to damage tourism or other aspects, you need to quantify by how much. This is your final chance.
