London council partnership to tackle pollution

Four London councils have set up a new partnership initiative, Low Emission Logistics, to reduce pollution emissions from delivery vehicles.

Southwark, Croydon, Lambeth and Wandsworth councils will use the new partnership to reduce toxic nitrogen dioxide emissions from both local authority and business deliveries by 40 per cent, through better coordination and changing purchasing behaviour.

Paid for by the mayor’s Air Quality Fund, businesses will be encouraged to work collaboratively to share and utilise local suppliers. The councils have also announced plans for a feasibility study to examine the case for setting up a consolidation centre for all those involved.

This initiative comes after a significant fall in nitrogen dioxide pollution episodes was recorded on Putney High Street following a major campaign to upgrade the local bus fleet.

Jonathan Cook, deputy council leader of Wandsworth Council, said: “By working in partnership with other councils, local businesses and residents, we can take a united and rounded approach to reducing delivery vehicle traffic on our roads.

“Businesses that take part also stand to benefit from the positive PR that comes from making a clear commitment to reducing their emissions.”