Low Emission Zone set for more UK cities?
More cities could follow London’s lead by creating Low Emission Zones over the coming years.
One transport expert this week believes that the British Government could be forced into acting as the UK continually fails to hit EU emissions targets, and that more Low Emission Zones would be a favourable solution.
Nigel Standley, Head of GreenUrban Technologies, said that the focus needs to be spread wider than just London.
“It’s an issue we need to take seriously and not just in our capital city,” said Nigel. “Poor air quality shortens the lives of 200,000 UK citizens and costs society up to £20 billion each year.”
A report published by the Environmental Audit Committee last November illustrated how the UK was lagging in regards to European air quality standards while a second report from the Government criticised 40 of the UK’s 43 assessment zones for failing to meet EU targets.
Temporary solution
London-based fleets managed to work around the stricter LEZ rules imposed at the start of the year by shifting their dirtier vehicles to more northern bases.
However with Liverpool, York, Leeds, Sussex, and Glasgow already toying with the idea, that may prove to be a temporary solution.
“It won’t be long before these zones are widespread,” added Nigel [pictured].
“Rather than waiting for legislation to come into force and playing catch-up, the transport sector should spearhead the move and reap the rewards of responsible business.”
GreenUrban Technologies produce diesel particulate traps which can be retrofitted to make old vehicles LEZ compliant by reducing particulate output by 95%. The company claim that this presents an affordable, cost-effective solution for fleet owners.
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