As the new Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) comes into force, businesses in central London are being forced to make choices about how to absorb the cost.
The ULEZ is designed to improve London’s air quality through reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions from older diesel and petrol-engined vehicles, which are a significant health hazard, particularly to young children. All diesel vehicles that fail to comply with Euro-6 have been required to pay a £12.50 daily charge to enter the ULEZ in central London since 8th April.
One business that relies on road vehicles to deliver its service is 24-7 emergency hydraulic repair provider Pirtek. The franchised operation offers a one-hour ETA to customers on-road and on-site at all times. As ever, one option is to pass increased costs on to the consumer but this is not the Pirtek way.
Pirtek franchises have invested in modern vehicles that meet emissions standards and are therefore exempt. The ULEZ applies to central London now, and Pirtek has plans in place for other cities across the country that are set to introduce similar charges.
Pirtek Managing Director Chris Stuckey said: “Pirtek believes that it is important to protect the environment and compliance with the new ultra-low emission standard is one of the many ways that we invest to comply with our ISO 14001 certification. However, it would not be fair to pass this cost on to our customers so, as with the Congestion Charge, Pirtek has ensured that we comply so they don’t pay.”
Franchisee of Pirtek Kings Cross, Park Royal, Leyton, Slough and Watford Andy Williams said: “As a Londoner, I wanted to do my bit to improve the air quality for my family and the community. I have invested in 17 new vehicles to provide a one-hour service in central London while complying with the new standards. This is part of the Pirtek promise to provide the highest quality to our customers and I will not be charging extra for that.”
