Three new offers are being made to London van operators in advance of the capital’s new Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) coming into force on 8 April.
Rental firm Northgate says it will be taking part in Transport for London’s (TfL) ULEZ scrappage scheme by offering a discount on van hires running for at least 12 months, while vehicle sharing firm Zipcar has announced a match-funding offer.
The ULEZ will see non-Euro 6 compliant vans charged £12.50 per day to enter.
Under the scrappage scheme, which is open to businesses with up to 10 staff and registered charities, participants can apply for a grant of £3,500 if they prove they have entered the existing Congestion Charging Zone 52 times in the last six months and provide a certificate of destruction for a non-compliant vehicle.
Northgate says its new scrappage scheme discount will allow firms to hire a Euro 6 van, including all servicing, maintenance and road tax.
Meanwhile, Zipcar has announced that when businesses who have taken part in the scheme sign up for an account, it will offer match-funding up to £3,500 meaning up to £7,000 of credit, redeemable for 700 hours of van use, or alternatively more than 1,400 hours of driving.
The package also includes ‘free for life’ business account status, worth £99 per year.
Northgate head of strategic accounts Kathleen Whittam said: “Having cleaner air in our cities is of paramount importance for all our futures. For London-based businesses, we also understand the impact that ULEZ could have on running costs.
“We’re delighted to be supporting the ground-breaking scrappage scheme designed to help businesses run compliant vehicles, through offering an exclusive ‘scrappage scheme discount’ on our van hire solutions, alongside offers on our Euro 6 vans available for purchase.
“This will enable eligible businesses to keep moving forwards without downtime.”
Zipcar UK general manager Jonathan Hampson said: “At Zipcar we support the roll-out of the ULEZ, but we believe it needs to be delivered in a way that doesn’t disadvantage those who can least afford it, like small businesses for example.
“That’s why we’re delighted to announce that we’re supporting the Mayor’s diesel van scrappage scheme with a financial support package for businesses in partnership with the Greater London Authority/TfL.
“ That way Zipcar can help enable this transition to ULEZ by giving businesses access to fully compliant vehicles that meet their van needs without needing to purchase or lease new vans.”
Rental firm Europcar has also welcomed the scrappage scheme, and announced 10% off midweek van hire from 13 London area locations: Croydon, Enfield, Excel, Kennington, Kings Cross, Kingston, Lewisham, Park Royal, Putney Bridge, Skyport, Streatham, Watford, Woodford Green.
The firm’s specialist vehicle director Stuart Russell said: “The ULEZ goes to the heart of the air quality issues facing the capital, and the scrappage scheme is a great initiative from TfL to help firms ensure it does not have a negative impact on their business.
“Whilst the cash sum could be useful to go towards new vehicle acquisition, some businesses may decide to use those funds for other purposes. If they don’t want to face the financial outlay for a new vehicle or commit to a lengthy lease, van rental provides a genuine alternative.
“With one of the youngest van rental fleets in the UK, Europcar is offering businesses participating in the scrappage scheme a special discount to access vehicles that are fully compliant with the new ULEZ, available from locations in and around the perimeter of the capital.”
