The London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been dubbed as “incredibly inefficient, without much concern for independent van drivers and owners in London, as well as the actual emission levels”.
That’s the view of the founders of ‘man and a van’ hire firm Kiffgo, who also believe that the scheme will fail to reduce emissions from vans.
The firm, which offers a fleet of van teams in the capital to “move anything A from to B in a click”, points to TfL research indicating that in 2020, taxis will emit 29% of the NOx emissions in Central London, and says it’s unfair that these vehicles get exemption, while vans/minibuses, which will emit 22% of NOx by 2020 according to the same document, have to pay.
The firm also says that there’s no viable alternatives for van operators, saying “small electric van models cannot carry big loads and the second-hand van market for ULEZ-compliant vehicles is close to non-existent”.
The firm also predicts that the ULEZ policy will fail to reduce emissions from vans in London.
“Drivers will pass on the charge to their consumers or avoid the zone – both scenarios end up with the same amount or even more emissions in the air,” says a spokesperson.
Instead, the company is calling for TfL to include black cabs in ULEZ fees, provide more time for van drivers to adjust and support logistic tech startups addressing optimal job allocation and routes for van drivers/owners.
