Public Affairs monitoring for week ending 21 August 2026

Government launches consultation on reviewing the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate

The Department for Transport (DfT) launched a consultation on 14 August reviewing the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. The consultation seeks views on the current trajectory and annual targets for zero-emission vehicle sales and whether alternative policy approaches could better support the transition to zero-emission road transport.

The review will consider options for how the government’s mandate is defined and implemented. However, ministers have emphasised that the government’s core ambitions remain unchanged, with all new cars and vans required to be zero-emission by 2035. The consultation is therefore focused on the pathway to achieving these objectives.

Logistics UK will respond to the consultation. Members wishing to share their views or discuss the implications of the review are encouraged to contact Logistics UK’s Head of Decarbonisation, Lamech Solomon at [email protected].

National Planning Policy Framework updated with freight and logistics provisions

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was updated on 17 August adding dedicated freight and logistics policies which has been strongly welcomed by Logistics UK. The framework supports the location of logistics developments near strategic transport networks, the expansion of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and the provision of secure lorry parking. It also references driver welfare, road user safety, alternative fuels, and the operation of some logistics services overnight.

Logistics Performance Tracker shows improved business confidence in Q2 2026

Logistics UK’s Q2 2026 Logistics Performance Tracker (LPT) recorded improved confidence across the sector. Financial health rose to 7.5 out of 10, its highest level since Q3 2023, while confidence in the UK economy increased from 3.7 to 4.8 and business outlook improved from 5.8 to 6.5. The survey also found that 69.5% of respondents reported higher transport costs since Q1, 44% of HGV operators said they lacked sufficient drivers, and most domestic and international road freight users expect freight rates to increase in Q3.

Also this week

Government

• The government’s consultation on extending VAT online marketplace liability closed on 18 August. The consultation considers making online marketplaces responsible for collecting and remitting VAT on sales made by UK-based businesses through their platforms. Logistics UK submitted a response supporting a nil Minimum Platform Threshold and opposing the exclusion of second-hand goods from the regime.
• Logistics UK submitted its response to the government’s consultation on extending judicial review reforms beyond Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), calling for freight and logistics infrastructure to be recognised as strategically important, and supporting streamlined judicial review processes and greater planning certainty for key logistics developments. The consultation closes on 27 August.

Parliament

• The Work and Pensions Committee launched an inquiry into local delivery of employment support, seeking evidence on how employment support should be delivered as greater powers are devolved to local areas, including opportunities to address skills shortages, improve employment outcomes and support economic inactivity. Members wishing to share their thoughts should contact Head of Skills Policy, Bethany Windsor, before 21 August 2026.
• The Transport Committee launched an inquiry on how transport can affect young people’s access to employment and training, including barriers related to travel, funding, policy, and connectivity to workplaces and education opportunities. Members wishing to contribute should contact Head of Skills Policy, Bethany Windsor, before 9 October 2026.

Other

• The Conservatives pledged on 19 August to scrap plans to phase out sales of new diesel HGVs by 2040, including the 2035 deadline for vehicles weighting up to 26 tonnes. The party would also abolish £877 million in grants for electric vans and trucks, arguing the transition could increase haulage costs and food prices.

Coming up

• Parliament has risen for Summer Recess and will return on Tuesday 1 September.