London fleet bans diesel vehicles

LoCITY Champion the City of London Corporation has banned new diesel vehicles from its procurement process.

The public authority, one of the leading organisations shaping and implementing LoCITY, will no longer lease or purchase diesel models when replacing vehicles in its 300-strong fleet.

Reducing its fleet size and purchasing newer and cleaner vehicles has already allowed the Corporation to cut its transport NOx emissions by more than 40% and its PM10 emissions by more than 50% since 2009.

It is also encouraging businesses to limit deliveries in the Square Mile and is promoting the use of hybrid electric cars.

LoCITY is an industry-led programme that was launched in January 2016 to lower emissions from commercial vehicles in London. It is helping organisations including the City of London Corporation, the 32 London boroughs and the capital’s businesses improve air quality by supporting them in switching to cleaner vehicles.

Fergus Worthy, project manager for LoCITY, said: “The City of London Corporation is leading the way in helping to reduce emissions and improve air quality for all Londoners, so we welcome its decision not to acquire any more diesel vehicles where a non-diesel alternative is available.

“As a LoCITY Champion, the Corporation is setting a great example for other local authorities, businesses and operators to follow.

“I would encourage anyone interested in following its lead by changing their own procurement processes to get in touch with LoCITY and benefit from our advice, Working Groups and resources.”

LoCITY stakeholders include central and local government, freight and fleet operators, vehicle manufacturers, fuel and infrastructure providers, trade bodies and procurement and planning officials. 

The City of London Corporation is a FORS Gold operator.