Its goal is to reduce the number of areas where air pollution breaches legal limits – hence the introduction of chargeable Clean Air Zones (CAZs) with fines into hundreds of pounds per day for non-compliant HGVs.
However, with responsibility for CAZs devolved to local authorities, their development across the UK has become patchy.
Bath brought its CAZ into effect in March 2021 and Birmingham followed in June 2021.
Although other cities also had plans to introduce CAZs in 2020 or 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that some have been delayed or even abandoned, while others are under review - for example, Sheffield.
As the pandemic restrictions begin to lift, the demands placed on our transport sector will increase rapidly and activity across the industry will rise significantly.
As a result, the ‘air cleaning’ brought about by COVID-19 decimating transport movements during the last 15 months will dissipate and the issue of improving air quality will almost certainly return to the top of the agenda.
Although there are grumblings from some operators about the detrimental effects the roll-out of CAZs will have on their businesses, there are also opportunities to be had.
The simple fact is, CAZs are not going away. They are coming to an area affecting you, soon! So, as with all inevitable change, the best business strategy is to embrace it and use it to build yourself a strong, competitive and sustainable future.
What’s more, it’s only right that the sector does its best to improve air quality for the sake of local communities today and future generations tomorrow.
I see little chance of the CAZ/LEZ scenario settling down any time soon. However, the UK road transport sector is well used to facing and dealing with major challenges.
I’m on record as saying that the sector is among the very best in the world for its operational and management skills so, I’m sure, it will succeed in the face of this challenge as well.
The underlying requirement is the need for maximum flexibility in both fleet operations and financial management – the kind of benefits we can provide through our rental, leasing and contract hire services.
I know everyone’s busy in these exceptional times, but why not take a few minutes to contact your nearest branch to find out how we can help protect your business against thousands of pounds going up in smoke?
Our team will be happy to discuss how we can make our award-winning services, partnership approach and excellent customer service work for you - to help you avoid CAZ charges and adapt your fleet for the best possible chance of a successful and sustainable future.
John Fletcher, Managing Director