£300k LEZ cost for Vosa to test oldies
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Paying Vasa to test LEZ vehicles for particulate matter but not NOx is a
'flawed' idea, according to the ETA and RHA. Chris Tindall reports.
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON (TfL) will pay Vosa almost £288,000 a year to test LGV emissions to establish how many older trucks reach the standard for London's low-emission zone (LEZ).
The revelation that an unknown number of Euro-1 and 2 engines will pass the LEZ standard of Euro-3 without a retrofit will anger many operators: there are calls for a judicial review into Mayor Ken Livingstone's plans.
The Freight Transport Association says TfL's plan to test LGV engines for particulate matter (PM) but not NOx is flawed because some early Euro models were better at dealing with PM than later versions. Their NOx emissions are worse,but there is no LEZ standard for this.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders SMMT says it is concerned because the scheme appears tohavebeen driven through with the mayoral elections in May in mind.
The Road Haulage Association is particularly annoyed that TfL is embroiling Vasa in a "questionable" scheme to issue Low Emission Certificates (LEC,$) for older vehicles not requiring a retrofit, as well as Reduced Pollution Certificates (RPCs).
Director of policy Jack Semple adds: "At least we need a phasingin of enforcement, where operators can demonstrate they are in the process of trying to comply with a scheme for which they have been given inadequate notice."
However, TfL claims vehicle testing will not lead to extra work: "We've always anticipated that the scheme would lead to an additional 26,000 RPC and LEC tests annually, and it has always been TfL's intention to fund this increase in Vosa's work at a cost of around £287,500 a year."
-It should be noted that an increase in Euro-2 vehicles requiring certification does not increase the overall number of tests that Vosa will be carrying out:this is because these vehicles will simply undergo an LEC examination instead of an inspection of an abatement device."
TfL will publish an ',EC Approved Engine List in mid-July. Any Euro-1 or 2 engine on this list will be legal in the LEZ.