CV fleets are likely to be hit hardest by anti-diesel measures due to a lack of alternatives available.
So says FleetCheck as it warns that the ongoing ‘diesel backlash’ is often indiscriminate and frequently does not appreciate the strides made in reducing harmful diesel emissions in recent years.
Commenting on an increasing focus on ‘dirty diesels’, Peter Golding, managing director, said: “The fact is that, if you measured these fuels in a logical fashion including emissions, then diesel would win out easily for most applications. However, we may be moving beyond a point where logic is being given due credence.
“It is not difficult to envisage a situation developing over the next few years where clean air zones and other legislative tools are used to target diesel commercial vehicles in a fashion that is less than fair.
“How this resolves itself is difficult to envisage. There are a few petrol CVs around and a smaller number of electric vehicles but nothing that could be used for a wide range of application.”
His comments come as Pendragon Vehicle Management says diesel is still the ‘only realistic choice’ for workhorse fleets and adds that switching business-critical and high-mileage fleets to ULEVs would cost fleets more and impact on day-to-day operations.
Peter Golding added: “The main thing that we need to do as an industry – from fleet operators to motor manufacturers – is to fight back against the waves of misinformation that can be seen in the media. Otherwise, CV fleets could find themselves in an increasingly difficult situation.”
