Reading brings back LEZ plans for 2014
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By Chris Tindall PLANS TO introduce a low emission zone (LEZ) in Reading by 2014 are back on the cards and have been met with derision by a local truck hire irm.
Councillor Tony Page, lead member for regeneration, transport and planning, says up to 90% of LGVs travelling through the Berkshire town centre are using it as a shortcut to the motorways and that they are the single biggest contributor to NOx and particulate emissions. He adds that the LEZ would not require a large capital outlay because of Reading’s existing network of monitoring posts and cameras. “On some roads, 90% of LGV trafic is driving through the town between [the motorways]. On average, three-quarters of lorries are not even stopping for a cup of tea.” However, the plans have been met with disbelief by a local LGV hire irm. Sarah Willmin, director at Berkshire Haulage Truck Hire, says: “You wouldn’t use Reading in your wildest nightmares as a shortcut,” and she disputes the igures the council has been relying on.
Willmin says an LEZ will affect the business as not all its vehicles will be emissions compliant.
“The 90% igure is rubbish,” she adds. “Most LGV trafic is from those working from Reading or travelling into it to deliver. Other than that you wouldn’t use Reading to drive through.” Previous attempts to ind investment for an LEZ fell by the wayside after the government suspended funding ahead of its 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review.
“We have received a grant from Defra for purchasing a mobile vehicle that will assist in enforcing the LEZ,” Page says. A decision on a £25m local sustainable transport fund bid will be made in June, and Page says if this gets the green light it will start planning for its introduction “as quickly as possible”.