OUT OF TIME
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Operators likely to be affected by the LEZ have got to realise that time is running out and they will have to take action if their trucks do not comply, warns Matt Heath, general manager, fleet sales, at Maritime Transport.
He is responsible for the company’s used truck disposal operation. “We’re getting inquiries from operators as far afield as Wales and Scotland for suitable vehicles because they run in and out of London regularly.” In many cases, their existing trucks would have to be replaced anyway on grounds of age and mileage, says Heath, given that non-compliant Euro-3 vehicles are by definition at least five years old. “Many firms hung on to their vehicles for longer than they would have done normally during the recession,” he remarks.
Heath is not convinced there is quite the shortage of used stock many dealers claim there is, a view that is shared by Jamie McDonald. Based at a site not far from Besthorpe in rural Norfolk, he runs independent dealership RJM Commercials.
“To be honest there seems to be a fair amount about at present, but I’m reluctant to go out and spend money on filling up my yard,” he says.
A dealer’s view on the availability of stock does, of course, depend on which sector of the used truck market he competes in.
“I do well with trucks priced from £15,000 to £20,000 at present,” says McDonald. “The people I deal with are not looking for expensive gear.” Nor are they necessarily looking to switch to Euro-4 in line with the LEZ rule changes.
“We’re getting the odd inquiry, but not as many as we might have expected,” he says. “In fact we’re a little bit quiet on the sales side at present to be honest, although light commercial and export sales are OK and our rental business is really taking off.” “The truth is that a lot of operators in this part of the world simply cannot afford to make the change at present,” he continues. “They take the view that if a job that involves going down to London comes up next year then they’d rather turn it down.” While the LEZ’s requirements are having an impact on the used market throughout much of the country, the arrival of Euro-6 could have a much bigger one. Fearful that it could lead to higher fuel bills (manufacturers say not), higher front-end prices and reduced payloads, operators are likely to opt for late-plate used Euro-5 in droves say dealers: and values will soar.