CPT urges ULEZ meeting

CPT has requested a meeting with the London Mayor and his advisors concerning his plans to introduce the ULEZ (Ultra low Emission Zone) earlier than planned and significantly increase its area of coverage. The trade body believes this will significantly affect the transport sector as a whole, as well as being a major concern to coach operators. It has been suggested that virtually all diesel engined vehicles operating within the North/ South Circular ‘ring’ will need to be Euro6 by 2018. There is also the possibility this will be extended to the current LEZ area by August 2020.

CPT claims the area of coverage could involve over 30,000 coaches. Even if it were economically viable to do so, the trade body believes it would be practically impossible to replace this number of vehicles, especially as it says there is currently no practical upgrade for older coaches available. CPT is encouraging members to respond to the public consultation on the plans, which is due later in the summer.