Last week, the LEZ emissions standards became more stringent, which affects the event industry and especially transport and logistics firms.
In the letter, Carlisle warns the new standard may be costly for some companies to meet, and highlights the need for logistics firms to work in partnership with other agencies to avoid paying hefty fines.
Here is the letter in full:
"The Low Emissions Zone was introduced in London to encourage the most polluting diesel vehicles to become cleaner. On 3 January 2012, the LEZ emissions standards became tougher, more vehicles are affected, and those that were already affected need to meet tighter emissions standards.
"I am all for any initiatives to increase sustainable operating practice but I am interested in the impact this will have on all logistics operators within the live events industry when bringing materials and resources to and from events in the capital, especially in view of the Queens Diamond Jubilee, the Olympics and Paralympics.
"Before 3 January, generally speaking vehicles were required to meet the Euro III standard. They now have to meet the Euro IV, which will cost significant money to meet, especially if current vehicles do not comply.
"What does this mean for the events business? Vehicles will need to be replaced, or significant daily fines will occur, as ‘spotter cameras’ are located throughout the London Emissions Zone checking registration numbers automatically. Other options include conversion to gas, the fitting of engine filters or supplementing the fuel with an additive like the Mercedes-Benz Bluetec system emissions technology.
"We have been planning and budgeting for these changes and reinvesting in the fleet to comply with these new rules, but this is not always possible for other event companies, which may find the pressure to invest in new transport a struggle in this financial climate. Those unable to immediately change will be hit with a £200 fine every time they need to travel into the LEZ, which is like a tax, although reducing emissions is, of course, good for us all.
"From a logistical perspective, there are savings that can be made by us all. Investment can be kept to a minimum through simple improvements in logistical planning. Combining equipment deliveries, working in partnership with other complimentary agencies and mapping routes for multiple event sites in the most practical and environmentally friendly way, which has become standard practice at Mobile Promotions.
"The long term plan must be for manufacturers to continue to improve technology not just for consumer vehicles but also for the business arena and for TFL and the government to understand the financial impact this has on companies. I’m sure more can be done to consult with event logistics representatives to ensure future changes can be made over a suitable timescale that does not cripple our event industry businesses."
Do the rule changes affect your business? Do you think the standards are too high, or should be welcomed by the industry? and let us know below.