'Clean air zone' plans mean diesel drivers could face charges
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Dr Gavin Bailey, sustainable transport lead at Eunomia Research and Consulting warns there were “many forms” a new pay per mile road pricing scheme could take. He warned the system could simply work by calculating overall distances at what time drivers were on the road.
However, he warned charging drivers by weight was the best option from an environmental perspective.
He warned weight “acts as a proxy for energy use” meaning it could be the fairest way to issue fees to drivers.
Speaking to Fleet News, he said: “There are many forms that such a scheme could take, from simply charging road users by overall distance travelled to ‘dynamic’ road pricing, taking account of the location and time of day.
“However, from an environmental perspective, we would also suggest differentiating the charge by vehicle weight, as this acts as a proxy for energy use.”
The Transport Select Committee has warned “vehicle type” could be factored into the equation under a new road pricing scheme.
However, they have not yet claimed vehicle’s weight should be calculated as part of the charges.
City-wide Clean Air Zones typically charge more for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).
Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone charges cars, taxis and light goods vehicles just £8 per day.
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The Transport Select Committee report did suggest new technology has the potential to “move beyond” a simple charge for miles travelled.
However, larger models such as coaches, buses and HGVs will pay the higher £50 per day rate.
Meanwhile, London’s ULEZ charges drivers just £12.50 to use the roads.
In comparison, larger vehicles such as lorries and coaches are charged a massive £100 per day inside the zone.
The Transport Select Committee report did suggest new technology has the potential to “move beyond” a simple charge for miles travelled.
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