FSB London Comment: “It is a surprise to hear today that Transport for London is closing the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme on the 8th of September, in just three weeks’ time.
Making this announcement during the school summer holidays feels quite sudden and it comes at a time when many small business owners may not be in the position to take immediate action to apply.
In our Business Manifesto published for the Mayoral Election, we asked that the Mayor of London provide financial support and periods of grace up to the end of 2025 to enable small businesses to have more time to access the options available through the scheme – to scrap or retrofit their non-complaint business vehicles.
“FSB London had certainly hoped for more time, especially for those small businesses who have not yet been able to make the transition to electric vans but have plans to. The removal of the electric van grant at this time and with the upcoming removal of the congestion charge exemption next year does not feel supportive of these small businesses.
“We ask that the Mayor reconsiders and allows the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme to remain open for longer with the promotion of a clear closing date which gives small businesses more opportunity to apply and fully contribute to driving up the quality of London’s air”.
