We asked the Mayor about Coaches, Noise and Pollution.
Thank you for your email received on 21st August 2006 addressed to the Mayor. I have been asked to respond to you on his behalf. You raised the issue of coaches being required to use clean diesel; and the problem of stationary coaches running their engines. I will address each of your points in turn.
TfL has no powers to compel coach companies to use any particular type of
fuel. Both bio-diesel and sulphur-free diesel are now widely available and many
coach operators use these types of clean fuel. You may be interested to know
that the Mayor recently approved the next stage for the implementation of a
London Low Emission Zone, which would discourage the use of the most
individually polluting diesel-engined vehicles. The earliest date for
implementation of the scheme would be 2008. More details about the
proposals, which will be subject to a further consultation later this year, can be
found at http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/low-emission-zone/ I should add that
improvements in engine technology are drastically reducing emissions. That
coupled with the implementation of LEZ are contributing factors to improving
air quality in the Capital.
We already have a requirement that engines should be switched off when a
coach is stationary for more than two minutes, and local authority enforcement
teams have been asked to ensure that this is adhered to (and issue tickets
where it is not). Coaches should also only park (as opposed to setting down
and picking up passengers) in designated coach bays. A coach concordat was
signed by representatives of the operators as well as the local authorities, and
those involved in tourism in London last year, and these principles are clearly
set out in the document. TfLs Commercial Bus and Coach team would be
happy to take up any specific complaints with the operator concerned, if theyare provided with details of the coach (registration number), the operator and
the time / location of the incident.
Thank you once again for writing; I hope that you find this information useful.
Yours sincerely
VICKY DUNNE
POLICY OFFICER
CONGESTION CHARGING
Switchboard: 020 7941 4500
Group fax: 020 7941 4028
Contributed by Jim Murray
