Chiswick Van Hire Closes After Nearly Forty Years

Company say decision forced on them by ULEZ and Brexit creating 'perfect storm'

Chiswick Van Hire depot. Picture Google Streetview

A Chiswick vehicle rental company which has been incorporated for nearly 40 years has announced that it is to cease trading.

Chiswick Self Drive Ltd which traded as Chiswick Van Hire wrote to customers to inform them that they would not be taking any more bookings from Saturday 29 February.

The company operated from a yard off Bollo Lane. Enquiries are now being directed to Zoo Cars on Acton Lane. The company was formed in 1980 and was originally called Scott's Cinetrux.

The letter states that the reasons for closing the company were 'political decisions since 2016 and the expansion of the ULEZ towards the end of 2021' which made it 'unwise and unmanageable' to continue.

Karl Pierard of Chiswick Van Hire said, "The investment required to upgrade the fleet as a result of the ULEZ is too risky, unwise and unmanageable when considering the decline in numbers of vehicles hired since the Brexit vote.

"Since the Brexit vote, there has been over a 30% drop in numbers of vehicles hired, based on the yearly average taken from eight years leading up to the vote.

"Brexit and ULEZ collide and create a perfect storm."

The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) is due to come into effect from 25 October 2021 with the existing central London boundary extended to create a single larger zone bounded by the North and South Circular Roads. If you are driving any petrol or diesel vehicle within the expansion you will also need to meet the tighter emissions standards or pay a daily charge.

The charge is currently £12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles and vans (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and £100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses/coaches (over 5 tonnes).

The daily charge is waived for diesel cars, vans and minibuses meeting Euro 6 (NOx and PM) standard which became mandatory for vehicles registered after September 2015.

March 1, 2020