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There's no point to the LEZ
Page 15
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Owner-driver Dick Flute considers the futility of European emissions control schemes when the rest of the world is more concerned with economic growth.
I've spent months trying to comply with the London iow-emission zone and there's no doubt that vehicle exhaust emissions are now at the top of the political agenda, not only in the UK but throughout the EU. It's an easy option, and sadly real-world understanding isn't high up the agenda.
The reason for this is that if an global warming-induced environmental catastrophe is looming, nothing we can do in Europe as regards reducing vehicle emissions will have much if any effect. Developed and, especially, developing countries throughout the rest of the world are set to increase their emissions— and pollution generally— as their populations, economies and industries expand.
If you doubt this, have a look at what is happening in the Middle East, India, or better still China. See what is happening in South America and take a short leap to the US. While you're at it, have a look at Russia. Then there's Africa, of course.
However, I do accept that any attempt to clean up the air we breathe in Europe can only be a good thing in the short term. The world might be going to hell, according to many scientists, but when it happens, at least we'll probably be breathing slightly cleaner air. And the least we can do is set an example.
On a more local level, the biggest problem I have with the London low-emission zone (LEZ) proposals is that by substantially improving the exhaust emissions from my truck at great expense, I cannot obtain a piece of paper which is recognised throughout Europe, states the improvements made, and allows me to claim lower road tax (and possibly access to some sensitive areas or cities). Berlin, for example, seems set on a course to create massive problems for itself by decreeing that all vehicles must meet the Euro-4 standard. How will that pan out in practice?
This must be addressed urgently. Moves are afoot to establish rules which will apply across the EU. Having individual cities making up their own set of rules is nonsense and the EU should legislate to stop this happening.
"Have a look at what is happ in the Middle East, India or, b still, China. See what is happ in South America and the US'