Solihull-based LandFlight is upgrading its entire fleet of 13 coaches, midi-coaches and buses to comply with Euro 6 – a total investment of around £2.3 million.
The overhaul comes just in time for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) coming into force from 8 April, as well as Birmingham’s own Clean Air Zone (CAZ), which will see non-compliant vehicles charged £50 per day from January 2020.
Both cities are major destinations for LandFlight.
The brand new, newly-delivered vehicles include eight ADL Enviro200 MMCs and two Yutong TC9 midi-coaches.
Two Mercedes-Benz Tourismos will join the fleet in the summer, while an existing Euro 5 ADL Enviro200 is being retrofitted to bring it to Euro 6.
Director Danny Matthews says fleet operators across the country have a big job on their hands to refresh their fleet in time for the changes, while firms without new vehicles will most likely pass on any extra cost to their customers.
He says: “Our approach has always been that modern, less polluting vehicles are undoubtedly better for everyone’s health.
“That’s why we have always looked to reduce our emissions to help combat air pollution and this latest investment in ultra-low emission travel is further proof of our commitment to the community and the environment.
“Our responsible, forward-thinking approach is now set to pay dividends for the company, too.
“Happily, we are ahead of the game with the new low emission rules and will be exempt from the new charges.
“Other companies with older, more polluting vehicles will have a dilemma, though. They will either have to pay the extra charges every time they go into London or Birmingham, or splash out to modernise their fleets.
“Whichever route they choose, they’re in for a hefty bill and the very real prospect that the cost of it all will be borne by their customers.”
LandFlight is committed to investing and growing the business.
It is also creating jobs, having recently recruited 24 new drivers for new routes operated on behalf of Transport for West Midlands.
