Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

Now and in the future a key ingredient in the role of the transport manager in the UK will be the need to reduce the environmental impact of his fleet.

Failure to do so will result in both cost and operational penalties. The Freight Transport Association has recognised this need and is to supply a range of services designed to help the industry with these new challenges. The latest cycle of the FTA Transport Manager seminars for 2007 will cover the first steps.

From February 2008 London will operate its Low Emission Zone (LEZ), restricting free access to the area within the M25 to vehicles meeting certain emissions standards. Those failing to meet the standards will be charged £200 per day to operate in the Greater London area. In addition, the central London congestion charge zone will, in future, make charges relative to emission standards - cleaner vehicles will be charged less to enter the zone. Where London leads, other cities and towns are sure to follow.

FTA’s Transport Manager 2007 seminars will offer practical advice on how to reduce the environmental impact of fleet operations; how to measure emissions and where to target actions so as to manage them downwards; how to deal with the London LEZ and the options for vehicles which do not comply. The seminars will also look at fuel efficiency, the prospects for delivering improvements including vehicle specification and design, driving techniques and journey planning.

FTA’s Policy Director, James Hookham said, "There is no doubt that the pressure on our industry to reduce its impact on the environment will be growing stronger and more specific in the coming years. But it is certainly not all bad news.

"Measures designed to improve environmental performance usually have a positive effect on cutting costs, whether by improvements in fuel efficiency or smarter operating practice. FTA’s new seminars demonstrate how to combine green policies with economic benefits. Save the world and save money all at once!"

FTA’s 2007 Transport Manager seminars run from September to December at locations throughout the country. Other subjects covered on the agenda include driver licensing, workplace transport safety, the safety and security of loads, delivery access issues, the management of shifts – how to avoid driver fatigue, and engine technology.