Air Pollution and Low Emission Zones The potential impact on the - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The only UK trade body dedicated to road transport Air Pollution and Low Emission Zones The potential impact on the haulage industry Martin Reid Policy Director, Scotland and Northern Ireland Road Haulage Association

Haulage - the backbone of the economy

Nox — a short chemistry lesson

Nox emissions — where do they come from

Scotland’s most polluted areas Air quality differs in geographical extent ‘Hot spots’ and sources of local pollution must be considered carefully for local solutions to be effective Image from Friends of the Earth Scotland

Alternative thinking Innovative walls that absorb pollution could be the key to tackling Dundee’s poor air quality levels, it has been claimed. The city has some of Scotland’s most polluted streets with the bus station, and Lochee Road regularly in the top 5. Each ‘CityTree’ costs £20,000 and incorporates moss and plants specially selected for their pollution absorption qualities.

HGV NOx emissions between 2013 and 2025 Index 2013 = 100

Changing the Fleet

What is Government doing? The Scottish Government has committed to LEZs in Scotland’s four largest cities between 2018 & 2020. Derek MacKay MSP recently introduced the Transport (Scotland) Bill to Parliament. This sets parameters for Local Authorities to implement an LEZ. This SHOULD mean uniform standards & zones across Scotland — but every Local Authority is different. Glasgow will implement first LEZ. Other Local Authorities need to announce their plans if they want hauliers to comply with their LEZ by Scottish Government target dates. So far the Scottish Governments approach & consultation has been very good.

Emission Standards An HGV could deliver to three different cities in one given day For example: Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow Dundee We must avoid each city having different standards to comply with Edinburgh meaning one HGV can potentially no longer deliver to all three. Glasgow

So what is the industry doing? The RHA is working hard to highlight the impact on our industry with Transport Scotland, SEPA & Local Authorities. Everyone wants & deserves clean air & our industry is committed to supporting that. But the Government needs to support industry to achieve this — not penalise it with fines or increases in the HGV Road User Levy. Funding from Government in the form of an HGV scrappage scheme that works for our industry, or support in purchasing new vehicles would be welcomed.

Low Emission Zones Phasing is essential — giving us time to plan This will be less disruptive for our sector Will avoid a knee-jerk reaction of a shift to vans (avoiding more congestion and pollution) No bans or restrictions for vehicles less than 12 years old Government needs to provide local authorities with a single framework.

Summary — what should be done? Low Emission Zone Issues Air Quality has to be addressed — it’s not just about vehicles Hauliers need time to plan — phasing is preferred — but they just need to know! Retrofit requirements need developed — they’re not available yet Low Emission Zone Approach Consistent across Local Authority areas Reduce congestion Encourage out of hours movements (24/7) Consider non-transport generators If Government want to go faster, they need to support the industry — not penalise it.

We all want cleaner air But we need a balanced approach — and not at any cost