The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has questioned the validity of TfL's sudden emphasis on carbon dioxide, describing the proposals as "muddled and inconsistent".
Previously the congestion charge was pitched as a way of improving journey times, with environmental benefits barely mentioned. Then the low-emission zone (LEZ) scheme has focused entirely on particulate matter (PM) in
order to improve air quality and public health. A senior LEZ spokesman told CM recently that NOx was not considered to be a serious health concern because of its low concentrations at pedestrian level. The latest congestion charge consultation however puts the emphasis on carbon dioxide, while suggesting that LGVs be encouraged to cut their use of NOx and PM.
Critics have questioned why TfL policy seems to change tack so rapidly. Jack Semple, director of policy at the RHA, says: "I'm concerned that such issues as congestion, CO2 or pollution seem to be a justification for regimes that rearrange or raise money from the local economy." TfL has been accused of bouncing from buzzword to buzzword "that would be a fair assessment," says Semple.
Reed Business Information Limited.©2009
