London needs a ‘Dutch-style’ zero emission zone preventing diesel freight vehicles from entering, because the city is falling behind on electrification, according to environmental campaigners.
The coalition of environmental and health groups, as well as the Royal College of Physicians’ special adviser on air quality, Professor Stephen Holgate, claimed London was falling “dangerously behind” on cleaning up its van fleets and diesel variants still dominated the Capital.
They have written a joint letter to the mayor urging a zero emission zone for vans and trucks, as new figures revealed diesel vans are now the biggest transport source of NOx pollution in inner and central London.
The group said the number of diesel vans registered by businesses was on the rise and had broken the 100,000 mark for the first time ever.
In contrast, there were only 5,582 battery-electric vans registered in London at the end of 2025.
Just 2% of diesel vans scrapped under the mayor’s ULEZ scrappage scheme were replaced with an e-van, despite more than £100m being spent.
In the Dutch model, a date is set after which all newly purchased vans must be electric to enter the zone.
A different date could be set for HGVs alongside exemptions for those who need them to ensure a just transition.
European environmental group Clean Cities said its analysis showed these zones had been effective at driving a rapid shift to electric vans and trucks and offered a blueprint for cleaner and quieter freight.
In the letter, they said: “In the Netherlands, zero-emission zones for freight are accelerating the transition away from diesel vehicles and giving businesses the certainty needed to invest in cleaner transport.
“The Dutch model works because it establishes clear, long-term rules and ensures that companies operate on a level playing field. It rewards those businesses of all sizes that have leaned into the transition.”
Zak Bond, campaign manager at Clean Cities, said: “Action to get diesel vans off our streets has not just stalled; it is going in reverse.
“Crossing the 100,000 mark for company-owned diesel vans should be a wake-up call for London. The alternatives exist, but we need the Mayor of London to step in with the leadership needed to electrify London’s van fleets at the pace the climate and air quality crises demand.
“It’s time for some Dutch courage in London.”
