Siemens to provide infrastructure for London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone
A major project to develop software for the implementation of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in 2019 will be delivered by Siemens, a global leader in traffic management technology. The work will be carried out over the next 12 months to enable the software to be deployed for service preparation activities leading up to the scheme going live on a 24/7/365 basis from April 2019.
Paul Cowperthwaite, TfL’s General Manager for Road User Charging said, “By April 2019 all vehicles, barring some exemptions, will need to meet exhaust emission standards or pay a daily charge when travelling in central London. We are working to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place by 2019 and assigning projects to contractors such as Siemens will ensure we meet this deadline. London’s air quality isn’t a part time issue so once the ULEZ goes live it will be in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
Siemens is already responsible for the enforcement system for the world’s largest Congestion Charging scheme in London which has involved the company in the design, build, operation and maintenance of the system for over 10 years. The system uses advanced, industry-leading, multi-lane free-flow tolling technology which extends throughout London with the highest level of performance/reliability (greater than 99.9%).
During this time over two billion vehicle detection records have been processed – all with industry leading security and transactional integrity resulting in the highest performing systems from a driver compliance perspective.
Siemens ITS, Sales and Marketing Director, Matthew Vincent said: “As cities continue with their aspirations to improve the air quality, increasingly they need to revert to the implementation of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) or Low Emission Zones (LEZ). Siemens is proud that its technology has been chosen in London and we look forward to working with other cities and regions in developing their own implementation of scalable LEZ/CAZ solutions that support their local needs”.
The introduction of the ULEZ will reduce exhaust nitrogen oxide NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions, making central London a safer and more pleasant place to live, work and visit. These positive effects will be especially beneficial to the young and older people, and those who have respiratory problems, as well as residents of high pollution areas. A significant proportion of traffic moving in the ULEZ will be from outside the zone, so the benefits of cleaner, greener vehicles in the form of reduced emissions will be delivered right across Greater London, even to areas not in the zone.
Siemens ITS is a leading international provider of products, systems and solutions that enable people and goods to be transported in an efficient, safe and environmentally friendly manner. Business activities include rolling stock, rail automation, intelligent traffic and transportation systems, and rail electrification. Mobility’s service offerings maximise vehicle and infrastructure availability. The Division’s comprehensive portfolio is further augmented by turnkey project expertise and tailored financing solutions.
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom more than 170 years ago and now employs 15,000 people in the UK. As the world’s largest engineering company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey.
