The government’s strategy to reduce (or at least limit) the emissions of air pollutants from road traffic in major cities is changing the way UK business manage their fleets.
Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are areas in which high-polluting vehicles are prohibited or required to pay a fee for access. These zones target the worst polluters, specifically heavy diesel vehicles, buses and coaches by imposing minimum emissions standards on traffic operating in designated regions. The restrictions vary across the country, depending on the city and the type of vehicle.
In some cases, LEZs can have zero-emission zones (ZEZs) within them, where vehicles are subject to restrictions on exhaust emissions beyond those in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or LEZ. Electric vehicles (EVs) have unrestricted access, whilst fossil fuel vehicles are either excluded or required to pay an entry charge. ZEZs can help improve local air quality while encouraging a switch to zero-emission vehicles, walking, cycling and the use of public transport.
To complicate the situation even more, there are also clean air zones (CAZs) springing up in many major towns and cities. Clean air zones are a type of LEZ that has stricter emission standards and applies to a wider range of vehicles. It is fair to say that every fleet operator has a herculean task simply navigating the complexity of the regulations associated with the different zones.
What does it mean for fleet operators?
It is possible for freight vehicles to be denied entry to ULEZ, LEZs, CAZs or ZEZs, depending on the protocol in place, forcing the drivers to take lengthy detours in order to reach their destination. However, in most cases, delivery vehicles will be allowed access to the zones, as long as the company meets the substantial fines in place.
Either way, fleet operators will incur a financial penalty, whether in the form of burning additional fuel or paying daily non-compliance charges, which fluctuate in severity.
Almost all businesses will be impacted by the growing number of clean air zones, and fleet managers face new challenges in building a flexible fleet that not only meets the demands of the business but also satisfies the regulations of the low-emission areas.
As a short-term measure, operators can plan their routes in order to complete essential trips. One option may be for company fleets to be fitted with tracking technology which can provide information on the best routes to take for a given journey, as well as routes to be avoided.
Inevitably, the only permanent satisfactory solution is to transition the fleet to cleaner and more sustainable energies, including hydrogen, liquid and compressed natural gas (LNG & CNG), biodiesel, biogas and electricity. Of course, this bold move will require a significant investment in new vehicle stock and supporting infrastructure at the depot.
The benefits of going green
Switching to greener energies will undoubtedly convey a company’s commitment to sustainability and raise its profile in the community. Manufacturers and retailers are increasingly looking for an environmentally responsible logistics partner to help them meet their own sustainability targets, so a commercial fleet powered by green gas or electricity could give a business the edge it needs when competing for new business contracts.
TSG is here to help
TSG specialises in addressing the obstacles faced by fleet operators by providing the best possible solutions and equipment on the market today. With over 30 years of expertise in the sector, TSG works together with fleet owners to fully leverage the potential of the site.
TSG has been providing equipment to the retail fuel industry for many years but is now making a name for itself in the new energy sector, delivering a wide variety of products and advanced solutions to assist fleet operators in making the switch to electricity, gas or hydrogen.
As leaders in the design and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, TSG is well-placed to guide fleet managers through the process and help them determine the best possible solution for their business, with a view to expansion as their EV fleet grows. Additionally, TSG supplies all types of CNG and LNG plants and dispensers, hydrogen compressors and electrolysers for those fleets choosing gas power.
Now established as the UK’s first-choice engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for all new energies (including solar), TSG delivers all works within a predefined timescale and budget for any application.
Furthermore, TSG provides an unrivalled aftersales service to support its customers following installation. Operating seven days a week, TSG has a large team of highly skilled technical engineers and advisers on hand for every eventuality.
ProFleet LOGmaster
Profleet LOGmaster from TSG UK is the successor of the very popular DiaLOG fuel management system, delivering total depot control via a completely new range of stylish terminals.
Compatible with any make or model of existing equipment, LOGmaster helps fleet operators effectively manage all site equipment, from the energy dispensers and electric vehicle (EV) charge points, right through to vehicle wash facilities.
Fuel LOG
Complete in-depth management of all fuel transactions, offering an extensive specification that allows site owners to set user restrictions as required.
ChargeLOG
ChargeLOG is able to monitor all EV chargers on site, regardless of brand or type, providing unlimited control to depot managers.
GasLOG
Responsibly manage the safe dispensation of compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) or hydrogen, even when fuelling takes place overnight.
