The initiative – which is part-funded and monitored by Transport for London – held its first annual conference yesterday (25 May) and revealed research identifying some key barriers of the use of low emission vehicles.
One area highlighted is a lack of information about the capabilities, benefits and requirements of ULEVs. Without this information operators can find it hard to justify the purchase of low emission vehicles. A lack of impartial information on alternative fuels and infrastructure has been identified as a further problem.
Mike Brown MVO, London's Transport Commissioner, said: “The industry has an important role to play in saving lives by improving our air quality, and over the next five years LoCITY will play an important role in helping increase the take up of low emission commercial vehicles.
“The freight sector is by its nature dynamic, so it’s key that anything we do in London is aligned to initiatives across the UK – LoCITY takes this approach. The scheme will allow operators of commercial vehicles to make informed decisions with a useable, independent and jargon-free source of information on alternative fuels and vehicles.
“Every year thousands of Londoners die because of poor air quality and by supporting the freight sector – which is vital to our city – we will make a real impact. I am confident that LoCITY can substantially improve London’s air quality and most importantly, help save lives.”
LoCITY aims to become the trusted source of advice and guidance for fleet operators to make informed purchasing decisions on low emission vehicles.
The initiative will create new environmental operating standards and contractual clauses which will help anyone buying goods or services to specify the use of low emission vehicles.
It will also investigate, through research and trials, the impact of cleaner vehicles on business operations, to bust myths and give confidence to operators who may be considering adding low emission vehicles to their fleets.
