Site Specific Advice - Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF)

Introduction

The Government is funding business advisors to help aggregate transport operators review their business and identify an action plan of ways to improve the efficiency of their operation. This is known as 'Site Specific Advice' or 'Fuel Efficiency Reviews'. This note summarises how the scheme operates and what is available.

Background

The Aggregates Levy reduces demand for primary aggregates by increasing their cost and makes the use of recycled and secondary materials more viable.

The Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund uses some of the revenue from the Aggregate Levy to further address the environmental impacts associated with quarrying operations (noise, dust, visual intrusion, loss of amenity and damage to biodiversity).

The Fund is spent through various agencies including the Department for Transport. For 2005/7 up to £840k of ALSF funding has been contracted to review and assist 400 businesses.

Site specific advice to improve efficiency and competitiveness in the road transport of aggregates whilst improving the safety and environmental performance.

Eligible businesses

Businesses are eligible if 25% or more of their work involves transporting qualifying aggregates. They might typically work for a quarry operator, logistics company, an aggregates consumer or be an owner driver. Qualifying aggregate is that which has paid the levy or recycled aggregate that is substituting material that would have paid the levy.

For example cementous pulverised ash, power station waste, is ineligible if used in place of cement which is exempt from the levy. If it is used in place of crushed rock it would qualify to bid for assistance.

To encourage commitment to the process a refundable deposit of £150 will be required.

Benefits

The DfT has previously funded a programme of similar business reviews. Under the Fuel Economy Advisors scheme 600 businesses across the road haulage industry were reviewed, provided with an action plan and their progress further reviewed.

A wide range of recommended actions were identified across these businesses including:

  • training for drivers, IT use and management,
  • aspects of vehicle specifications, aerodynamics, transmissions, bodywork and lifting equipment,
  • tyre specifications and maintenance,
  • fuel management including purchasing, storage, dispensing and records,
  • fuel efficiency addressing data collection, processing and driver fuel efficiency leagues.

Each operator is provided with a practical action plan indicating priorities, estimated costs and estimated benefits. These typical identify potential cost savings of over 10% mainly from reduced fuel consumption.

Timing

Contracts were awarded October 2005 to review 400 businesses and provide each with an action plan. Each business would also receive a return visit some months later when the consultant will review progress. They might offer advice and assistance on how to make progress from the earlier business review action plan or identify additional opportunities for the business.

About 30% of businesses will also receive a third review, by phone or visit, to determine the benefits being achieved. In addition to helping the business to continue improving it will help the DfT evaluate the benefits, produce case studies and inform future policy options.

Contact details

For further information:

SAFED Aggregates Helpline: 0800 783 7434
Web: www.safedaggregates.org.uk
Email: info@safeaggregates.org.uk

Department for Transport contact point:
Roger Worth 020 7944 4512, roger.worth@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Publications

The DfT also funds a best practice programme to research, publish and disseminate advice to help operators and drivers reduce their fuel consumption. This helps the environment whilst improving their competitiveness. Many of the user friendly best practice publications should allow businesses to self audit and improve specified aspects of their business.

For a free copy of these, or any other best practice publications, contact:

Tel. 0845 602 1425
Web: www.freightbestpractice.org.uk
Email: Transportenergy@fabermaunsell.com