Reading LEZ will make operations ‘difficult’
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By Chris Tindall READING BOROUGH Council is pressing ahead with plans to prevent lorries entering its town centre after securing millions of pounds in funding for clean air schemes.
The council has received £20m from the local sustainable transport fund, with some of this earmarked for a low emission zone (LEZ).
But councillor Tony Page, lead member for regeneration, transport and planning, admitted the council had not yet set a date for implementation, or decided what Euro emissions standard will apply.
It has already spent £40,000 of a Defra grant on a mobile enforcement van, which it will deploy in areas of the town with no ixed camera coverage.
Page said council surveys showed LGVs were “responsible for a disproportionate amount of nasty particulates that contribute to poor air quality”. He also said the council wanted to target hauliers using Reading’s roads as a shortcut to nearby motorways. “We are looking to get more detailed proposals ready for a consultation, hopefully next year.
“It would be targeted at improving the air quality, but also reducing LGVs with no business here that don’t even stop for a cup of tea.” The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is concerned about a “patchwork” of LEZs springing up across the country, as local authorities come under pressure to clean up their air in order to avoid hefty ines from the European Union.
“Operationally it would make life very dificult for logistics irms,” said Natalie Chapman, FTA policy head for London and the South East.