Reduce regulations for zero emission vans – NFDA

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has urged the government to reduce regulations for fleets operating zero emission vans.
In its response to a government consultation on proposals to reduce regulatory burdens for businesses with zero emission vans, the NFDA has called on government to relax rules around MOTs, driver hours and speed limiters.
In its submission, NFDA emphasised that:
- Light commercials with a GVW (gross vehicle weight) up to 4.25 tonnes zero emission, that these light commercial vehicles should undergo Class 7 MOT testing and undergo annual testing after 3 years from first registration.
- There would be very minimal or even negligible effects from removing zero emission vans up to 4.25tonnes from the scope of the assimilated drivers’ hours rules, recorded on tachographs. Most drivers and operators of light commercials do not understand assimilated drivers’ hours rules.
- Removing speed limiters will improve road safety by allowing these vehicles to overtake and manoeuvre more safely.
Government consultation
Sue Robinson, NFDA chief executive said: “NFDA has now submitted its response to the government consultation seeking views on proposals to reduce regulatory burdens for businesses operating zero emissions vans.
“A key focus of NFDA’s response is the urgent need for removal of regulations on businesses’ zero emission vans, emphasising that a move to class 7 MOT testing, driver’s hours rules and speed limitations are important in achieving this. We look forward to the government’s response and will continue to lobby on the issues.”