London’s newly introduced Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is putting further pressure on margins and disrupting newspaper deliveries, according to retailers.

From 25 October, cars made before 2006 and vans made before 2015 driving within the north and south circular roads in London must pay £12.50 per day. Approximately 35,000 vans and 100,000 cars are likely to be affected each day.

NFRN North West London branch members reported delays to their deliveries from News UK and Smiths News on the day the charge was introduced. Retailers claimed this was due to driver switches and “non-compliant” contractor vehicles.

Responding to the concerns, a Newsprinters spokesperson said: “We have optimised our delivery network within London to ensure our routes are more efficient and comply with ULEZ legislation. The new routes are still designed to make sure deliveries arrive on time and ensure sales are maximised in London. There may be a short bedding in period as drivers become accustomed to the new routing but it will soon return to normal levels of service.”

Smiths News denied the new charge had caused disruption, stating that “ULEZ non-compliant vehicles can still be used” under its agreements with delivery drivers.

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The new charge also affected non-newstrade products, with major wholesalers including Booker, Bestway, HT Drinks and Dhamecha all operating within the new ULEZ zone.

Ravi Raveendran, owner of Colombo Mini-Mart in Hounslow, said: “It’s significant. I use HT Drinks and it’s a really important visit for me because their prices are normally very good. Now I’m faced with trying to work out when it is and isn’t worth it.”

Birmingham and Bath introduced similar ULEZ policies earlier this year, with some suppliers reportedly refusing to supply to stores within the zone due to the additional cost. At least six other major metropolitan areas in the UK are planning to introduce emission zones.

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