Plans to levy at £10 ‘Toxicity Charge’ to enter central London have been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s head of policy for London.

Announced last week by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the ‘T-Charge’ will come into effect from 23 October and will apply to diesel and petrol-powered vehicles that do not meet the Euro 4 standard on emissions, which was introduced 11 years ago.

Natalie Chapman, FTA’s head of policy for London said the scheme will undoubtedly benefit Londoners in health terms and added that the FTA will be encouraging the small number of commercial operators that may be affected to check if their vehicles comply.

However, the FTA says that there are more pressing policy concerns for transport operators, in considering changes to the planned Ultra-Low Emission Zone which is likely to impact on a much larger number of organisations.

Chapman added: “FTA is particularly concerned about the effect its introduction will have on van operators, not least because the new Euro 6 – the ULEZ standard – was introduced for new vans registered from last September. This means that vans which are little more than two years old could be banned from the Capital’s roads, which will put a strain on London’s supply chain and cause financial hardship for many SMEs across the region.

“FTA will continue to negotiate with the Mayor’s office to ensure that our members can keep London moving, while maintaining improvements in the Capital’s air quality.”