Ultra Low Emission Zone proposals revealed

Delegates hear outline of plans for ULEZ at meeting in capital on Monday (March 3)

Initial plans for an ‘Ultra Low Emission Zone’ in Central London have been outlined by Transport for London (TfL), which are intended to be brought into effect from 2020.

Details of the plans were unveiled by Michele Dix, TfL’s managing director of planning at a meeting in the capital yesterday, at which the organisation outlined its progress on the ‘vision and direction’ for London’s roads which it is hoped will help to improve air quality in the capital.

Initial proposals for an Ultra Low Emission Zone were unveiled at a meeting in London on Monday

The meeting coincided with the launch of a survey, which is open to the public for six weeks, which is seeking views from London residents on the causes and possible solutions to air quality problems in the capital (see AirQualityNews.com story).

Among the details for the ULEV revealed at the meeting were the extent of the zone, which TfL says is likely to cover the existing area in Central London currently covered by the congestion charge as this is the area where the greatest amount of public exposure to pollutants occurs.

Meanwhile, TfL has said that potential exemptions from the scheme will be considered, with the economic impact and compliance costs for TfL services and light vehicles likely to be considered in detail.

‘Near zero emission’

Delegates also heard that the Mayor is keen for the ULEZ to increase the number of ‘near zero emission’ vehicles operating in the capital, but it is not yet clear how widely low emission transportation technology will have been taken up by 2020

TfL’s Managing Director of Planning, Michèle Dix, said: “Last year the Mayor announced his ambition for a central London Ultra Low Emission Zone that would reduce air pollutant and CO2 emissions and stimulate the low emission vehicle economy.

“Since then TfL has been exploring ways to introduce the scheme in 2020 and has focused on the development of options.  Engagement with stakeholders has been a key element of the process and this work will continue throughout 2014. Their feedback will help shape a final proposal for consultation later this year.”

Simon Birkett, founder and director of campaign group Clean Air in London, told airqualitynews.com: “It is good that the Mayor has done something at last. This is the first time Boris has actually proposed anything on cars and vans. But it is too small, too weak and too late. And the disappointing thing is that we have not been told what it will actually do to reduce air pollution.”