Southampton docks could be ‘trashed beyond recognition’ according to Itchen MP Royston Smith after the city council announced plans to charge lorries up to £100 to enter the city.
Fears that hauliers will avoid Southampton if £100 lorry levy is introduced
According to a report in the Daily Echo, the council wants to reduce air pollution in the city and plans to penalise lorries not meeting emission targets.
Road Haulage Association agrees the move could be disastrous for the local economy. The fear is that the move will encourage hauliers to divert their vehicles to other ports rather than pay the levy.
The problem stems from a government pressure to reduce emissions. Southampton is one of five most polluted cities in the UK, and unless the local authorities successfully improve the air quality BY 2020, a massive EU fine will be imposed.