Virus prompts regulatory reprieve in London

Transport for London (TfL) and the London boroughs suspended the low (LEZ) and ultra low emission zones (ULEZ), the congestion charge, and the Lorry Control Scheme last month as they sought to keep the capital –  where spread of Covid-19 has been particularly acute – mobile and supplied.

The Lorry Control Scheme suspension would initially be in place until 30 April, said London councils – while the LEZ, ULEZ and congestion charge suspensions would take effect “until further notice”, TfL announced.

Paul Cowperthwaite, TfL’s general manager of road user charging, said: “What we are seeing through this crisis is that London’s critical workforce is wider than just the core emergency services.

“Emergency services workers are absolutely fundamental to our response, but supermarket workers, utilities engineers, refuse collectors, and many more, also need to be able to travel to keep the city functioning.

“This is why we have temporarily suspended road user charging in the capital.”

Natalie Chapman, head of urban policy at FTA, said: “The suspension of the congestion charge and the ULEZ is welcome news for our sector, charged as we are with keeping the capital stocked with the vital supplies it needs in such extraordinary circumstances.

“With unprecedented levels of demand for food, medicines and other commodities, this move will keep the supply chain stable and robust.”

RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said most trucks going into London would still be LEZ and ULEZ compliant, but that the move would offer firms the flexibility to use other vehicles – including vans – if and when there are driver gaps as the pandemic unfolds.
“Keeping our supply chains resilient will be key in ensuring businesses can continue to function during the crisis,” he said.

“It’s the right thing that firms have the confidence to call in other contractors to move their goods into the capital at short notice and not worry about LEZ and ULEZ charges.”