Make Your Business ULEZ-compliant Anywhere
Thom Groot, Co-Founder and CEO of The Electric Car Scheme, wrote a guest article. He gives practical steps for businesses to fix their issues with ULEZ.
The ULEZ will cover every borough in London in three months.
In outer London, one in five drivers can't use their older vehicle without paying a lot of money. Some will buy a newer car without the fee. Others will use public transport or get an electric car.
All businesses in wider London must be ready for the switch and its effects on staff and customers. Those outside London should also consider preparation. Clean air zones are appearing in various designs all over the UK because of anxiety over older cars, asthma and premature death risks, and climate change concerns.
Ensuring Staff's Work Commute
You must provide transportation for employees to come to work daily.
Driving into outer London might not be the best route anymore.
Check if they have good public transport to your business. Know the nearest bus stops or other transit nodes. Tell staff how to get there.
Public transport is costly, especially in London. Older cars can also be a problem because of ULEZ penalties. Many employees may find it tough to pay for expensive season tickets. But you can help them! Try subsidizing their public transport through salary sacrifice. It is tax-efficient for the employee. You can also set up a Cycle-To-Work scheme. This will help staff come to work cheaply and environmentally friendly.
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Embracing Electric Cars For A Competitive Edge
You don't need to buy an electric car for the ULEZ. However, there are indications that fossil fuel cars will be banned from sale starting in 2030. Oxford has already put in place a "ZEZ" which means no petrol or diesel cars can drive through the city centre during the day without paying a fee.
London isn't going to introduce electric cars soon. However, it's essential to start embracing them now. This way, you won't be left behind when the future comes and everyone else wants one.
Business owners can embrace electric cars in a few great ways.
You could give your staff electric cars on a salary sacrifice scheme. They lease the cars with pre-tax earnings for savings depending on their income. Using my company, employees can save £12,000 on average over the lease. This doesn't cost the employers anything.
Cars need help. Put charging ports in your carpark for staff or customers. People in London don't have garages, so they like to charge their car outside of their homes. This helps your staff and gets people excited about electric cars. Many businesses will have chargers soon. Get one now before it's too late.
"Optimal Routes: Open Dialogue With Your Customers"
Not everyone will switch to EV. Some might stop driving due to ULEZ.
Getting ready for August? Plan ahead and figure out the easiest public transportation options to reach your business from different locations. Look for nearby transit stops or bus routes that stop right at your doorstep.
Thom Groot created The Electric Car Scheme. He's also the CEO.
Before August, tell customers about alternative ways to get to your business through a good route. You can do this by sending emails with clear instructions. Make sure to inform longtime drivers about the accessibility of public transport to your location.
To make your business ULEZ-ready is smart. It's good for business. Sustainability is important. Talking about emissions is important too. Scope 3 emissions are also important. Staff commuting is Scope 3. If you want to be ahead, start being greener now.
