Planning for a cleaner city

Developers now need to consider the impact of the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) when planning projects in London.  Designed to help reduce harmful emissions, the central London ULEZ came into effect on 8 April in the current congestion charge zone. 

Construction and delivery vehicles over 3.5 tonnes need to conform to Euro VI emission standards, or pay a daily charge of £100 to enter the ULEZ, in addition to any congestion and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges.  The latest emission standards will apply within the existing LEZ from October 2020 and the ULEZ will be extended to the North and South Circular boundary in October 2021.

Motion Regional Director David Lewis explains that upgrading haulage vehicles should be seen as part of a wider strategy to help reduce emissions and meet the new standards. “In order to obtain planning permission, developers need to demonstrate that their outline construction logistics plans include a range of measures to reduce the impact on air quality.”

Minimising vehicle movements

Transport for London recommends using consolidation centres, bringing freight into central London by rail or water and re-using materials on site to reduce the number of road journeys required.  Smart procurement of suppliers, with an approach to logistics and sourcing of materials that minimises the number of vehicle movements, should be proposed.  Developers of high impact schemes must also be committed to collaborate with other sites to increase efficiency and reduce the negative impact of construction.

David Lewis adds, “The introduction of the ULEZ has made the process for obtaining planning consent in London even more complex.  Developers should get in touch with our team of transport planning experts on 020 8065 5208 for help overcoming the unique challenges of central London schemes.”

This article first appeared in the Summer 2019 issue of Insight.