Transport for London launches ULEZ consultation 30 October 2014

Transport for London (TfL) and mayor Boris Johnson have launched a public consultation on proposals to introduce the world's first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in the capital on 7 September 2020.

The zone would require all vehicles travelling within the congestion charge zone to meet new emission standards 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The ULEZ is projected to halve emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10) from vehicle exhausts.

As a result, more than 80% of central London would meet its nitrogen dioxide (NO2) annual legal limits in 2020.

Cars, small and large vans, and minibuses would have to be Euro 6 for diesel engines and Euro 4 for petrol engines. Non-compliant vehicles could drive in the zone but injcur a daily charge of £12.50.

HGVs, buses and coaches fitted with Euro 6 engines wouldalso gain free entry, but non-compliant vehicles would face a daily charge of £100.

TfL concedes that many commercial vehicles will meet the standards by 2020, but believes that by stating the requirements next year, it will accelerate take-up of low emission vehicles and stimulate the market.

As part of the ULEZ proposal, TfL is already working to reduce emissions from its buses as well as taxis and private hire vehicles – increasing the number of zero emission capable vehicles.

Johnson says that will create demonstrator fleets in London, while also boosting sales and leading the technology transition.

By 2020, all double deck TfL buses operating in central London will be hybrid and all single deck buses will be zero emission. This will require substantial further investment by TfL and will mean that nearly all double deck buses in inner London will be hybrid along with many in outer London.

After the consultation closes, TfL will analyse the results and make recommendations to the mayor, who will then make a decision on whether to confirm the scheme order, with or without modifications.

The ULEZ consultation, which runs until 9 January 2015, is available online at www.tfl.gov.uk/ultra-low-emission-zone

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Transport for London

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.