Thurrock air quality scheme reaches 50 members

Greenergy Flexigrid is latest signatory to initiative backed by Thurrock council to reduce business vehicle fleet emissions

A scheme set up with the backing of Thurrock council with the aim of reducing the air pollution emissions of business vehicles operating in the area has signed up its 50^th member.

Adrian Barritt, Travel Thurrock manager presents Ross Monkhouse of Greenergy Flexigrid with a five-star rating certificate (pic: Thurrock council)

Travel Thurrock launched the free ECO Stars (Efficient and Cleaner Operations) scheme in April 2012 to encourage fleet operators to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions — all helping to improve local air quality.

Since then over 2000 vehicles have been signed up to the scheme which provides guidance on environmental best practice with each member receiving a star rating for their fleet.

The scheme is managed in Thurrock by specialist transport consultants, Transport & Travel Research (TTR) Ltd. Members include specialist logistics companies, bus and coach, vans, public sector and other companies where distribution or commercial transport forms part of their business.

Each member of the Scheme gets a Star rating based on an assessment of how ‘clean’ their vehicle fleet is.

Greenergy Flexigrid

The latest signatory is Greenergy Flexigrid, the haulage arm of road fuel supplier Greenergy, which has 101 trucks operating nationally from 15 depots, the largest of which is in Thurrock.

Ross Monkhouse, fleet asset manager for Greenergy Flexigrid said: “We are proud to receive ECO Stars highest ranking. It recognizes our commitment to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by introducing new trucks and technology to monitor fuel usage.”

Cllr Andy Smith, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, highways and transportation said:  “We are delighted to reach this milestone in a little under three years. Our roadmap to improve transport performance and reduce costs and carbon emissions is providing a better environment for our community.”