London once again became the focus of attention for cities across the world this week as its Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was launched, targeting thousands of haulage operators. But the controversial initiative, which targets the particulate matter emissions from diesel engine exhausts, was criticised by trade associations for squandering £250m of operators' and tax payers' money on a scheme unlikely to substantially clean up the capital's air.
Lorries over 12-tonnes travelling into London must have a minimum particulate emissions standard of Euro 3, or else pay £200 a day. In July vehicles between 3.5- and 12-tonnes must comply. Fears that thousands of non-compliant lorries would enter the zone appeared unfounded after Transport for London (TfL) claimed that on its launch day 22,108 vehicles within the LEZ's scope entered London of those 1,643 were non-compliant: just 7.4%.
However, the Freight Transport Association describes any improvement in air quality from the scheme as "trivial" and says the biggest pollution from traffic comes from cars, not lorries. Natalie Chapman, FTA regional policy manager, says: "We knew it wasn't going to offer the air quality benefits that it would need to from a scheme costing this much to set up.
What you have got to remember is we have the Mayoral elections in May there's a lot of political will behind this." A spokesman for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders adds: "A lot of people have confused what's going on with the Congestion Charge. We hear of operators, in particular people in the recovery sector, who have said 'it's a bit of a pain but I will just add £8 to the daily charge.'" Liberal democrat mayoral candidate Brian Paddick - the only one to condemn the scheme - warns that the scheme will put operators out of business.
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