LowCVP to continue air quality focus

The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) has pledged to ‘continue to embrace the air quality agenda’, and ensure that this is aligned with efforts to combat climate change.

The organisation — a public-private partnership set up by the government to accelerate a shift towards low carbon vehicles through research, policy advice and industry engagement — has outlined its first three-year strategy this week, on the 15th anniversary of its establishment.

Andy Eastlake – LowCVP managing director – addresses delegates at the organisation’s 15th anniversary Parliamentary reception (Picture: Tucker Images)

Within the strategy, LowCVP has identified the encouragement of ‘demand-pull’ measures for low emission solutions (vehicles, fuels and mobility) while continuing to address supply-side ‘blockages’ as its central aim.

And, the organisation adds that it will “embrace the air quality agenda and ensure that it complements the central mission; to deliver on the climate change targets in the context of road transport”.

Among the projects undertaken by LowCVP in the air quality field to date is the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS) to provide a standard for emission-reduction technology for buses (see airqualitynews.com).

LowCVP has also announced that leasing and financing organisations Lombard & Natwest will be joining the Partnership’s 200-strong membership — becoming the first businesses from the finance sector to partner with the organisation.

The organisation held a Parliamentary reception in Westminster on Tuesday (20 March) to mark its 15^th year in operation.

‘Stability’

Speaking at the event, LowCVP managing director, Andy Eastlake, said: “I am delighted that our three-year work programme has been supported. It gives us a longer view and greater stability as an organisation, providing the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with stakeholders in key areas.”

Transport Minister Jesse Norman MP said: “This Government is committed to improving air quality and tackling climate change. That is why we are investing almost £1.5 billion over this Parliament as part of the drive to reduce emissions from transport.

“The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership continues to play a vital role in supporting these environmental targets.”

Darran Messem, chairman of the LowCVP, said: “Increasing the number of ULEVs on UK roads requires sustained and focused effort to build consumer confidence so the move to a three-year planning horizon, added to growing engagement from the finance/leasing sector, is an important, positive step for the LowCVP and the low emissions road transport agenda.”

Moving North

Next month, LowCVP will be heading to Manchester for its ‘Moving North’ Conference which will focus on the challenge of cutting carbon emissions and air pollution in the Northern Powerhouse.

The event, on Thursday 12 April, is being held in association with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It is supported by Manchester Metropolitan University and sponsored by GEFCO and Uber.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is set to deliver the keynote address, with contributions also coming from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the Advanced Propulsion Centre. Details of the conference can be found here.

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