Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) members are being asked to share their views on air quality and the proposed expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London.

The consultation, which is being led by Transport for London (TfL) and had the backing of the London Mayor, will collect views on the proposal to further expand the ULEZ from North and South Circular Roads to cover the whole of Greater London from August 2023.

Despite intense media criticism, with many viewing it as a burden on business, the Mayor has consistently argued that it is a vital tool in the fight against air pollution. He argues it will help reduce the estimated 4,000 premature deaths in 2019 owing to poor air quality. Brent, Bromley, Croydon and Havering are among the boroughs with the worst air pollution and currently sit outside the ULEZ.

Members interested in inputting into the EIC response are asked to email Paul Barnes today.

Commenting on the consultation, Guto Davies, head of policy at EIC said: “The proposed expansion of the ULEZ is an opportunity to put forward our views on air quality in the capital and we’d encourage all members with a working interest in air quality to share their views.

“While most vehicles have plenty of emission free alternatives, there is still a significant niche which does not and a move to alternative fuels, such as biogas and LPG for specialist equipment and vehicles, would reduce air pollution and ultimately save lives. Vital as we wait for technology to catch up to political ambitions.”

EIC’s report on alternative air fuels, released in 2020, argued for measures to promote the use of alternative fuels. It argued that construction equipment, back-up generators and specialist vehicles, such as those used in refuse collection, currently have few viable emission free alternatives.