TfL trials possible LEZ roadside camera
Date: 27 July 2007
Transport bosses in London are preparing for the introduction of the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) next year by trialling cameras that can analyse exhaust fumes.
The Accuscan 4600 camera uses ultraviolet and infrared light to scan logistics vehicles and record their number plates, the Telegraph reports.
Transport for London has been testing the unit at Tower Bridge, with a view to using it to enforce the LEZ. The zone will require certain polluting freight haulage vehicles to pay £200 a day to enter central London.
However, a spokesman for TfL claimed that the technology would only be used to record the overall success of the LEZ project, and not to target individual drivers.
"A small trial has been undertaken of devices that measure pollutant emissions from vehicles, the results of which have been provided to Transport for London," he said.
"We are studying these results, and if these devices provide robust data we will look at piloting them for emissions monitoring for the Low Emission Zone. However, we will not be using these devices to enforce the Low Emission Zone."
However, a spokesman for the company that designed the camera, Enviro Technology Services, said that "it could be used as a system to issue penalties".
The camera tests showed that the highest emitters of NOx tended to be older large vans, while the highest HC emission came from a 1970s Mercedes sports car.
User Comments
No Comments