FWD members collectively operate over 7,000 delivery vehicles which make over 200,000 deliveries every week to small businesses in every postcode of the UK. FWD is therefore closely involved in policy discussions around transport, logistics and distribution around the UK.
Deliveries to shops and restaurants in busy towns and cities keep these businesses afloat, but they can be disruptive. FWD members seek to abide by parking restrictions and delivery hours and work with local authorities to minimise their impact.
FWD is currently monitoring possible changes to parking regulations following a recent consultation, and contributed to the debate on Ultra Low Emission Zones, which could see older diesel-engine delivery vehicles banned from some city centres by 2020.
The Government has introduced measures to help alleviate the driver shortage
November 2021:
The Department for Transport has announced a series of measures to help the HGV driver shortage.
A review of the CPC regime, looking at ways to improve compulsory ongoing training for existing and returning HGV drivers.
The Government is also working with stakeholders to identify a number of lorry parks across the country where short-term facilities such as temporary toilets, showers and catering can be delivered in the coming months.
Among other measures already taken to support the haulage industry, the number of weekly HGV tests available has increased by 90% after the process was streamlined. Training for up to 5,000 new drivers through skills bootcamps has also been announced.
The temporary relaxation of drivers’ hours has been extended until 11.59pm on 9 January 2022.
Zero emission HGV
All new heavy goods vehicles in the UK will be zero-emission by 2040, the Government has announced. The UK will become the first country in the world to commit to phasing out new, non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles weighing 26 tonnes and under by 2035, with all new HGVs sold in the UK to be zero emission by 2040.
The Clean Air Strategy has the following implications for FWD wholesalers:
Transport:
The strategy notes that analysis shows that the actions set out in this strategy can meet the Government’s ambitious emissions reduction targets, if they are implemented with the necessary pace and determination. The Government also claims that these improve on current EU rules.
The Department of Transport launched a on consultation on sustainable ways to deliver goods as well as another consultation on urban mobility strategy
The Government’s ambition is to see ultra-low emission vans to represent 40% of all new vans purchased by 2030, and that by 2040 zero emission vans should represent 100% of new vans purchased. However, registrations of ULEV vans represent less than 0.5% of all new van registrations.
Key points from the Last Mile consultation:
The Government has pledged to collaborate with the industry in the coming years to help the sector fulfil the commitment to reduce HGV carbon dioxide emissions by 15% by 2025.
The Government strategy on sustainable ways to deliver goods builds on the government’s Road to Zero Strategy which forms an important part of government’s work on the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge. This is considering how emerging technologies and services can be used to address a range of transport challenges.