January 28th 2016
TfL launches low emission freight programme
‘LoCITY’ programme will work across public and private sector to increase availability of low emission vans and lorries
An industry-led programme aimed at reducing emissions from freight and fleet operators in the UK capital has been launched by Transport for London (TfL).
Lorries and vans travelling on London’s M25 motorway
85% of London’s goods are transported by road, with freight making up 17% of the capital’s road traffic.
Announced yesterday (January 27) alongside an information video, the five-year ‘LoCITY’ programme will therefore work across the freight industry — bringing together fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, fuel providers and the public sector — in order to increase the availability and uptake of low emission vans and lorries in London.
According to TfL, LoCITY will create new environmental operating standards and contractual clauses designed for easy adoption by procurement bodies, as well as using research and real-world trials in order to “demonstrate that using these cleaner vehicles will not negatively impact operations”.
LoCITY will have three workstreams focusing on:
- Increasing the availability and affordability of low emission vans and lorries
- Improving the alternative fuel infrastructure, such as electric charging points and the use of hydrogen fuel
- Improving policies, procurement and land use planning to increase the use and viability of low emission vans and lorries
London’s Transport Commissioner, Mike Brown, said: “Over the next five years LoCITY will begin improving London’s air quality by encouraging the take up of low emission vehicles. We’re working with vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure providers and the industry to make these vehicles a realistic choice for operators. Together we can improve London’s air quality, and by supporting the freight sector — which is essential for our city to function — we will have a real impact.
He added: “The Construction Logistics and Cycle Safety (CLOCS) programme has shown this style of collaborative industry-led approach works — many lorries of the highest safety standards are now in use. LoCITY will help the industry as a whole continue to develop, whilst delivering a cleaner London.”
TfL said it has also sought to improve the overall efficiency of freight operations, offering guidance to offices, business districts, and developers to reduce the overall vehicle miles of freight vehicles.
Mayor
The LoCITY programme is one of a number of steps the set out by the Mayor of London towards the introduction of the ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) in 2020.
And, the Mayor — Boris Johnson — said he had also recently provided almost £300,000 of funding to Gnewt Cargo — a firm which receivse courier vehicles into their Southwark hub and consolidates the delivery of packages in their fleet of 50 electric vans.
Mr Johnson, who is also MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip and steps down as Mayor in May, said: “LoCITY will form part of a series of strong measures I’m delivering to tackle air quality and safe guard the health and well-being of Londoners, but I’m fully aware much more needs to be done. Helping the freight industry is key to the success of the ULEZ. I am confident that the strict tightening of our emission standards will help dramatically improve air quality and lower NO2 across the city.”