Time to end empty promises as logistics workers prove their value

Denise Beedell, policy manager for vans and urban, at Logistics UK, says direction direction and clarity on the right fuels and technologies to adopt is needed

Many working in the logistics sector have faced one of their most challenging years yet, with the Covid-19 pandemic placing untold pressure on operations, company finances and personal wellbeing. 

Despite this adversity, these individuals and businesses have continued to support the UK economy and society heroically throughout the outbreak; we are so proud to represent an industry which has shown itself to be resilient, adaptable, and effective in the face of such hardship. 

As we look to 2021, the Government’s plans to rebuild the nation’s economy must support decarbonisation efforts while remaining mindful of the financial and operational strains the pandemic continues to place on logistics businesses.

We are pleased to see the Government consider these challenges in its implementation of clean air zones (CAZs) in some cities. 

For example, the plans for CAZs in Bath and Birmingham – just announced – include financial support packages for operators to assist with the acquisition of Euro VI-standard vehicles. 

But, while logistics operators remain committed to cleaning up urban air, it is important that other contributory factors to air quality are also considered, including improvements to traffic flow patterns, retiming of deliveries and the introduction of alternatively fuelled vehicles, as well as other sources of air pollution, to the benefit of all.

Throughout 2021, we will continue working with local and national governments to help develop air quality measures that support both small
businesses and environmental targets. 

At Logistics UK, our members are committed to ensuring their operations are environmentally responsible and, as such, are keen to transition to low emission vehicles as soon as possible.

However, we need direction and clarity from Government on the right fuels and technologies to adopt.

That is why, throughout 2020, we have been working with Government to develop a definition of an ultra-low emission truck (ULET).

This would incentivise manufacturers to invest more resources into developing these vehicles.

Testing new technology can be expensive but a ULET definition would provide clear parameters and stimulate demand. 

And with some cities across the UK looking to go even further than the Euro VI requirements of CAZs, a clear definition would provide authorities with a criterion that can be applied consistently across the UK, preventing the patchwork of standards we are seeing emerge. 

We will continue to build on our work with Government to assist in the development of a single, clear and workable definition for ultra-low emission trucks and vans; we would also like to see clear guidelines apply to fuels.

COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR DECENT WORKING ENVIRONMENT 

The Covid-19 outbreak has shown how vital commercial drivers are to the UK economy and society and why they deserve to have a decent working environment, which includes access to welfare facilities and safe, secure places to park. 

For several years, Logistics UK has been campaigning for driver facilities to improve and, in response, we have received empty promises.

It is time to show real leadership and deliver the provisions these workers deserve, and we hope 2021 will see this finally come to fruition. 

Those working within logistics, including van and truck operators, have helped to keep the country moving during the pandemic and will continue to be vital as the economy recovers.

There are plenty of opportunities for the sector to grow and lead the way in many areas, including trade and decarbonisation.

Highlighting the importance of logistics during a global crisis and the hard work of key workers during this time means we can embrace opportunities in recovery to support, shape and strengthen the logistics industry. 

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods.

With Covid-19, 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. 

Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. 

For more information about our work, including research into the impacts of Covid-19 on the supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk.