Hewden support for London’s construction site low emission zone

UK-based rental company Hewden has backed the low emissions zone (LEZ) for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) introduced in London today.

The Greater London Authority introduced the LEZ to combat nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. Any equipment used on a construction site has to meet at least EU Stage IIIA (US Tier 3) in Greater London or Stage IIIB (US Tier 4) in the Central Activity Zone or Canary Wharf.

Hewden product director Mark Hogg said Tier 4 engines are already part of its Capital Core fleet and urged companies renting or buying equipment to check whether suppliers are complying with the new legislation.

“The new directive requires all machines to have a Tier 3 engine, so as a business we made a conscious decision to future proof ourselves by introducing Tier 4 engines as part of our London Capital Core fleet,” said Mr Hogg.

“We also guarantee that all our machines are less than two years old, helping to ensure they’re the safest and most environmentally compliant machines on site,” “It’s great to see that the UK is setting an example for the rest of the world by introducing the first ever LEZ,” Mr Hogg added.

“Research has shown that in recent years, NRMM used on construction sites has been responsible for up to 12% of NOx emissions and 15% of PM10 emissions in Greater London. With the new clean emission engines and technology available today, this simply isn’t sustainable so it’s only right that changes are being made.

“Like any new regulation, there will be a number that still operate older equipment that isn’t legal. We would therefore encourage firms to have a proper look at the legislation and ask the question about compliance before they hire or purchase plant and equipment for use within the LEZ.”