Bus and coach operators are getting some help meeting legislative changes, planned for 3 January 2012, when vehicles entering the London LEZ without meeting the new PM (particulate matter) criteria will be charged a penalty up to £1,000.
Mil-Ken Travel, which runs a fleet of 10 vehicles has used Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia's service, which retrofitted particulate filters for the company's three B12B coaches, ensuring that the vehicles now meet Euro 4 PM emissions for coaches over 5 tonnes, registered before 1 October 2006.
Working alongside Eminox, Volvo designed a particulate filter that can be retrofitted to all vehicles, even those as old as Euro 1, to bring them up to Euro 4 PM standards.
Each filter is designed as a direct replacement for the vehicle's original silencer and the service includes a pre-fitment engine smoke check. A Reduced Pollution Certificate (RPC) or Low Emissions Certificate (LEC) is provided to the operator after fitment as evidence of compliance.
"Volvo is always extremely helpful and accommodating," says Mil-Ken Travel's owner, Jason Miller. "We felt it was important that our 2006 B12B coaches met upcoming emissions standards and, by keeping them fully Volvo, you get the added reassurance that any problem will be resolved quickly and efficiently."
