The leader of a national trade body, which represents the building materials supply industry, has described today’s ULEZ court decision as bad news for the sector in London.
John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation, has been calling for a 12-month delay to the Greater London ULEZ scheme to help businesses in the building materials supply industry reliant on lorries and vans.
The trade body has twice written to the Mayor of London, expressing concern that neighbourhoods in the expanded ULEZ could become no-go areas for the building trade and has called for a targeted commercial vehicle scrappage scheme.
BMF CEO, John Newcomb, said: “We are disappointed by today’s decision.
“It’s bad news for London’s building industry.
“Livelihoods are at risk.
“We will continue to press for changes to the scheme, to protect jobs and the local economy.”
The BMF has been calling for a targeted commercial vehicle scrappage scheme and led calls for a 12-month delay to the ULEZ expansion.
John Newcomb added: “BMF members recognise the importance of air quality and as responsible employers our members take a number of steps to ensure fuel efficiency and the health and wellbeing of staff.
“However, we firmly believe that a 12-month delay to the start of the ULEZ expansion will allow businesses and individuals to prepare – especially in relation to the availability of compliant vehicles.”
