Rochdale-based bus manufacturer Mellor has revealed that its Strata low-floor minibus bus has been awarded a Low Emission Bus (LEB) certificate after successful emissions testing at Millbrook.
The Mercedes-Benz based Strata, with a capacity of 22 passengers, is the smallest bus to date to have met the stringent requirements associated with LEB certification.
An LEB certificate is issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) to vehicles meeting specific criteria.
An LEB, as defined by the government, uses efficient technology to produce 15% less well-to-wheel emissions compared with an equivalent Euro 5 diesel bus.
MD John Randerson says: “Not only does the Strata offer a size appropriate solution and fuel efficiency of 20-22mpg, it now offers the benefit of additional savings in terms of rebates under the LCEB scheme.”
A LEB qualifies for a rebate from the DfT as part of the Low Carbon Emission Bus incentive scheme, equating to an additional 6p per km (England) or 10.01p per km (Scotland) BSOG reimbursement.
For example, a bus covering 50,000km per year in England would qualify for a £3,000 rebate.
The Strata is a robust, Sprinter based coach built vehicle, engineered with the approval of to meet the demands of a small service bus suitable for many applications.
Mellor is part of the Woodall Nicholson Group, which also includes funeral vehicle manufacturer Coleman Milne and CM Specialist Vehicles Division, which supplies products to the police and other emergency services.