EDITOR’S PICKS
The necessity of sewer cleaners in London means they do not need to make direct vision changes and will not incur a fine, and are also
currently exempt from the ULEZ. They do still need to apply for a
permit through the TFL website, but this is free and a very quick process.
In other changes, October 2021 saw the Ultra Low Emission Zone for London widen. Now, vehicles that do not comply with the low emission standards will receive fines of £12.50 a day. The move has prompted other cities to implement similar operations with Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, and Portsmouth the next on the list to start.
The ULEZ was introduced as a need to improve air quality and the health of those in the capital. Air quality is measured by how clean the surrounding air is. This is measured by analysing the concentration of certain pollutants in the air including smoke, dust, smog, harmful chemicals and, most notably, Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
Inhalable Particular Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) is most common in cities and on roadways. The main source of PM emissions is from internal combustion engines and dust. These particulates settle on surfaces, then when a vehicle drives over it, the gusts produced from that movement cause the particulates to become airborne, mixing with the air and lowering the air quality.
These particulates are the main cause of human health issues from poor air quality. The exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 has been shown to have a significant detriment to lung and heart health and an increase in respiratory diseases such as asthma. Therefore, reduced air pollution indicates better health for those who spend a significant amount of time on and around roadways.
One study (Kumari Et al., 2020) showed that the significant reduction in air pollution during lockdown was due to lower levels of PM2.5, PM10 and NO2. This improvement in air quality was witnessed across the globe, however it was proven to be temporary because once lockdown restrictions lifted, the
26 | March 2022 |
www.draintraderltd.com
pollution levels once again increased.
London has introduced the Low Emission Zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone as a way to combat the air quality crisis and to reduce the number of particulate-producing vehicles driving through the city… And it’s working.
In an evaluation by the Greater London Authority and the effectiveness of the ULEZ, they found that although there was a “substantial and immediate improvement in air quality in recent years, significant work remains to bring London’s pollution down to levels where it does not have a harmful impact on public health.”
Similar to the Direct Vision Standard, sewer cleaners are also exempt from the ULEZ. Again, a permit is required for the exemption but this is also free.
As well as the broadening of the ULEZ, the engine standard for HGV lorries changed as an additional measure to cut down on air pollution. If using a diesel engine, a lorry must have a Euro VI engine (previously Euro IV) in order to comply with the Low Emission Zone and avoid a daily fine. All these changes considered, it appears that alternative fuels and electric powered vehicles are the safest and potentially cheapest way to go.
London is leading the way in low emission and safety standards. Many cities across the UK are looking to the capital to improve their own regulations, and after seeing the success, are bringing these measures forward. It is only a matter of time before these standards are rolled out throughout the whole of Europe.
For the time being though, the regulations are being introduced in a measured way with sewer cleaners being one of the exceptions to the rule.
Bucher Municipal – Driven by Better
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
