The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has advised London mayor Boris Johnson that he could immediately improve the air quality of the capital by introducing an incentive scheme for clean trucks. 

A discounted congestion charge to the cleanest freight operators was suggested as one example of such a measure. 

Climate change policy manager for the FTA Rachael Dillon said such incentives would make the freight industry more keen to get involved. 

Speaking after an event for the launch of the ultra-low emission vehicle delivery plan last week (July 22nd), Ms Dillon pointed out that as they stand, the plans have significant cost implications for the sector. 

"Low emission vehicles can offer fantastic benefits to help the freight sector play its role in reducing pollutants and carbon," she commented. 

Despite this, Ms Dillon said factors such as high vehicle costs, reliability concerns and lack of infrastructure for refuelling means that uptake remains small.