Calor calls for LPG support to save lives in London
It is disgraceful that the nitrogen dioxide (NO2) hourly legal limit for the whole of 2016, has already been breached, just 8 days into the New Year, as reported by Clean Air in London.
We called on the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, earlier this week to reconsider his plans to clean up London’s transport.
Transport for London’s current approach should be extended beyond its current scheme which allows cabbies to convert their existing diesel taxis to cleaner and cheaper LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) – this TFL scheme is due to finish before the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) comes in. Continuing to allow diesel taxi operators to convert to LPG will clean up London’s air more quickly so we can all breathe more easily.
LPG is a much cleaner fuel than diesel and petrol and offers a solution which would be complimentary to the existing all electric scenario. The subsidy for electric cabs will not cover all of the existing fleet, leaving a large number of cabbies to fully fund the electric solution themselves. The LPG conversion for existing diesel cabs could be deployed now, without the need for subsidy as cabbies will get payback on their investment within 2 years – meaning cleaner air for London, in a shorter timeframe and for less money.
Birmingham City Council has taken action to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide by supporting the conversion of its taxis from diesel to cleaner LPG whilst in Japan, Toyota is launching its zero emission capable Black Cab, again on LPG, for just £16,000.
Today’s news shows that greater consideration needs to be given to complimentary solutions that could work alongside the conversion to electric zero emission cabs. LPG vehicles offers a green, cheap solution and we urge those making these decisions to consider these options, fast.
