SOE calls for more action from transport on air quality 24 July 2013

A report into air quality, by CIWEM (Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management), has been welcomed by the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), which has urged relevant parties to work together to reduce harmful emissions.

The report 'Clearing the Air' suggests that anthropogenic (human-caused) particulate matter in the UK's air contributes to the cause of death for nearly 29,000 people each year.

Road transport is identified as the main cause of poor air quality, with the report stating that a reduction in traffic emissions is required to meet current air quality standards.

IRTE (Institute of Road Transport Engineers, a professional sector of SOE) has held reducing emissions as a priority since 1993, when Euro 1 engine emissions legislation was first introduced for trucks and buses.

"There is a significant body of evidence that suggests well-maintained trucks and buses function more efficiently and therefore produce less emissions," says SOE head of operations and communications Ian Chisholm.

"This fact has long been recognised by the IRTE Professional Sector of SOE, which has been instrumental in developing a number of initiatives," he continues.

"IRTE's irtec licensing scheme ensures vehicle technicians are competent and conversant with the latest technology and practices," adds Chisholm.

"Effective maintenance is not only dependent on the skill level of technicians but also on their practical working environment... To this end, IRTE has also developed the IRTE Workshop Accreditation scheme as a means of promoting competent maintenance provision across the board."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Society of Operations Engineers

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