London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the London Assembly’s Transport Committee to address the need for the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging points for commercial vehicles across London.
In a letter to Seb Dance, and the Chair and Vice Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, LCCI called for closer cooperation between the government and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to strengthen the EV infrastructure in the run up to the 2030 net-zero target for London.
Transport for London (TfL) has been effective in ensuring there are electric charging points for cars across London. However, there appears to be an expectation that the emerging electric commercial vehicles should be charged primarily at company depots.
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Richard Burge, said:
The government and City Hall must work together to address the logistical issues which hinder an optimistic, profitable, and growing EV industry. Rising energy costs present challenges to commercial vehicles and a lack of EV charging points should not hinder the green growth momentum. The Mayor of London recognised that more charge points will be needed to support the transition to EVs. Alongside proper planning, the city needs robust infrastructure to ensure that the needs of all Londoners are catered for by a world class transport network which is fit for our global city
Head of Policy and Public Impact at London Chamber of Commerce and Industry James Watkins, said:
The perceived focus on electric charging for commercial vehicles at depots may not reflect the realities in respect of the demands on drivers and the logistics industry. This is especially true at a time when Londoners expect next day deliveries to homes and businesses due to the nature of e-commerce. Small and medium-sized businesses in outer London are already struggling with a short-turn around time to switch to ULEZ compliant vehicles. Therefore, central and regional governments must create an environment that support an equitable but commercially viable and sustainable public charge point market.
LCCI has identified two major transport priorities which need to be addressed for London’s transport network to flourish:
- The tensions between government and the Greater London Authority on funding public transport must come to an end. Only a joined-up approach between central and regional government can ensure that London maintains its premier place in the global rankings of cities – thereby bringing well paid jobs and economic growth to every borough.
- The discrepancies with the planned roll-out of the ULEZ scheme must be addressed. The London Chamber strongly agrees with the Mayor that poor air quality leads to deaths. ULEZ must not come across as an opportunistic tax. ULEZ cannot be an incentive to change if change is not possible for many SMEs.
More information on LCCI’s call for ULEZ reforms can be found here.
