Concerns about impact of low emission zones on equestrians

The Government's clean-air initiatives have already affected the industry - and plans for expansion have now been given the go-ahead

- BECKY MURRAY

FURTHER concerns have been raised about the impact of the Government’s low-emission zones on the equestrian industry.

Expansion plans for London’s ultra-low-emission zone (ULEZ) have been given the green light, so from 29 August the zone will expand across all London boroughs, with the aim to “help clear London’s air and improve health” across the area.

Under the ULEZ scheme, cars, vans and horseboxes up to and including 3.5 tonnes that do not meet the emission standards are subject to a daily charge of £12.50. Horseboxes over 3.5 tonnes do not need to pay this ULEZ charge, but do still need to pay the Londonwide low-emission zone (LEZ) charge of up to £300 per day, based on vehicle size, if they do not meet the LEZ emissions standards. These LEZ charges and standards have not changed since H&H last reported on them (news, October 2020).

Other cities with low-emission and clean-air zones include Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Edinburgh and Glasgow, and plans for Greater Manchester remain under review.

Although bigger horseboxes do not have to pay the London ULEZ charge, the expansion of the zone is still having a direct and indirect impact on the equestrian industry.

“While the ULEZ may not directly impact [all] motorised horseboxes, some equestrians will still have to travel in the LEZ for competition, to reach off-road routes, or even if they need to travel with their horse to a vet,” a British Horse Society (BHS) spokesman told H&H, who added that those towing trailers could also feel the impact if their towing vehicle is not LEZ or ULEZ compliant.