Smith Metal Centres has fitted a pair of its Iveco 18-tonners with Eminox Continuously Regenerating Trap (CRT) systems to comply with London's Low Emission Zone (LEZ). "I can't believe more operators haven't gone down this route," says transport manager John Milicevic, who spent most of Monday 4 February, the day LEZ was launched, being interviewed by TV and radio stations about his views on the zone.
"I did my homework on this one, but lots of others simply panicked, and chucked back
their lease vehicles for new ones." He explains that the trucks, which were built in 1999 and 2000, were converted by Eminox in October 2007 at a cost of £5,000 per truck. They have been tested by VOSA, and have both been awarded Reduced Pollution Certificates, which cut VED from £650 to £280 a year.
Milicevic says a further two 7.5-tonners will get the same treatment in time for the expansion of the LEZ on 7 July 2008. In principle, Milicevic is in favour of the LEZ, which he says is "inevitable and had to happen eventually". However he is opposed to the fact that there was little industry consultation while the idea was being conceived.
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