Bath Clean Air Zone will hit SMEs hardest, says FTA

Friday 06 April 2018

The proposed Clean Air Zone for Bath could have a significant impact on the costs of local business in the area, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), following the publication of the local council’s consultation document on the scheme. 

The Association, which represents more than 17,000 members, recognises that work must be done to improve the state of the nation’s air quality, and welcomes that Bath is proposing a city centre zone, but notes that key local routes – the A4 and A36 – are included, and so the impacts will be felt well beyond the city.

FTA’s Head of UK Policy Christopher Snelling commented, “When the proposed Zone comes into effect in 2020, many logistics operators, especially small and medium sized firms, will still have non-compliant vehicles and so will face charges of around £100 per day to get through Bath.

“The effects will be worse if vans are included, which is one of the options. There will only be four years’ worth of compliant vans in the fleet, so any small business that relies on second-hand vehicles in operation in or through Bath maybe priced out of business.”

“FTA is offering its experience and expertise to work with the local authority, to help them develop and introduce its plan in a timely and appropriate manner, so that they can achieve their aims of reducing NO2 whilst supporting businesses and the economy.”

Efficient logistics are vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc.    A champion and challenger, FTA speaks to Government with one voice on behalf of the whole sector, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers. 

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk