An individual who alleges a staggering loss of £100,000 since the inception of the environmental driving charge in the capital city claims that it’s “devastating” his business.
Colin Ferns, a 59-year-old entrepreneur, is growing increasingly concerned about the future of his garage company due to the recent expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) program.
Initially launched in April 2019, the ULEZ initiative exclusively covered Central London. However, on August 29, 2023, authorities declared its extension to encompass all boroughs within the capital.
The vehicles Colin services frequently fail to meet the ULEZ’s compliance standards, which he insists has already cost him a significant sum of £100,000.
He admits this predicament is causing him “tremendous stress, depression, and countless sleepless nights.”
Colin, hailing from Richmond, expressed his frustrations to NeedToKnow.co.uk: “I find it utterly astonishing and believe it has eroded all my trust in politics.”
“This situation is inflicting immense stress and melancholy upon me, as it is undermining my business, which I’ve painstakingly built over many decades,” he lamented.
“I’ve dedicated my entire professional life to surmounting the various hurdles erected by the government, and this feels like yet another impediment to my aspirations.”
Colin, who has owned his workshop since 1996, specializes in Mercedes-Benz vehicles and services models spanning from the 1950s to the present day.
His services encompass extensive restorations of classic AMG models, necessitating a minimum of five road tests.
However, the ULEZ zones mandate that these tests take place within them, subjecting their customers to additional fines, which, in turn, has prompted many to sell their vehicles permanently.
Colin shared, “I’ve had customers who’ve been loyal patrons for decades inform me that they’re unwilling to bear this charge and have decided to sell their cars.”
“Upon its initial expansion, I observed a significant immediate impact, as many of my customers reside within the affected zone. Consequently, I lost a substantial portion of my clientele.”
“Although it’s still in its early stages, we’re receiving fewer inquiries, and the entire business suffers due to this implementation.”
Colin had his garage appraised at £600,000 just last year. He now reports that its value has dwindled to £300,000.
While shutting down the business isn’t viable, he’s grappling with devising a new, successful strategy and frets about what lies ahead.
He stated, “My entire life has revolved around the automotive industry, and these policies are ripping it apart.”
“It’s my livelihood, and my concern is that unless the government provides some stability for businesses, they will continually shift the goalposts, making it nearly impossible for me to recover.”
“I’m forced to overhaul my formerly prosperous business model, and the losses are already mounting – I simply cannot endure anymore.”
To meet the ULEZ standards, gasoline vehicles must adhere to Euro 4 emissions criteria, while diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards. Non-compliance results in a daily driving charge of £12.50.