Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)- Ultra Low Emission Zone

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone is an initiative in support of the Mayor’s key priority to tackle London’s air pollution.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone is due to be implemented from April 2019. Vehicles which are non-compliant are subject to a daily charge.

The MPS works to continuously improve its environmental footprint. However, as this cannot be at the expense of its operational commitments, an MoU has been developed in collaboration with the GLA Environment Team, TfL, MOPAC and MPS. This allows a sunset period for certain vehicles, to reflect the complexities of the MPS fleet.

The DMPC is asked to

1. Approve and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Transport for London and MOPAC on Ultra Low Emission Zone compliance

1. Introduction and background

1.1. The Ultra Low Emission Zone is due to be implemented from April 2019. Vehicles which are non-compliant are subject to a daily charge. An MoU has been developed in collaboration with the GLA Environment Team, TfL, MOPAC and MPS. This allows a sunset period for certain vehicles, to reflect the complexities of operational requirements within the MPS fleet.

1.2. The MoU has been developed in collaboration with the GLA Environment Team and TfL, MOPAC and the MPS. MoU terms were negotiated around terms including a sunset period for Emergency and Specialist Non-Response vehicles.

2. Issues for consideration

2.1. The challenges for MPS in complying with the ULEZ introduction are recognised as are the commitments that MPS have made towards addressing air quality in London.

2.2. The MoU commits the MPS to

- By 8 April 2019, complying with ULEZ emissions standards requirements for General Purpose Cars and most vehicles permanently stationed inside the zone

- Applies a sunset period until 25th October 2023 for vehicles which are MPS specialised vehicles and emergency response vehicles stationed outside the zone and which are required for operational reasons to enter that area.

- A sunset period until 25th October 2023 to Protection vehicles stationed inside the zone, which have a national remit and spend a large proportion of time outside the zone.

2.3. The cost of compliance, should the sunset period not have been granted, would have been £30m.

3. Financial Comments

3.1. The cost of accelerated capital expenditure has been taken incorporated into the capital programme in the 2018/19 budget process. The net cost over a five year period is £6.2m.

3.2. The sunset period allows for a significant number of vehicles to be replaced as per the natural replacement cycle, which is budgeted for through the vehicle replacement programme. Should the sunset period not have been granted, the cost of accelerated spend faced by the MPS would have been £30m.

3.3. At the time of proposed replacement, approvals to initiate procurement, contract award etc will go through the normal scrutiny and approvals process.

4. Legal Comments

4.1. It is expressly understood and agreed that nothing in this MOU shall constitute a legally binding obligation on either of the parties hereto but that this MOU sets out the intention and commitment of the parties in respect of the purpose. The parties enter into the MoU intending to honour all their obligations.

5. Equality Comments

5.1. There are no direct equality or diversity implications arising from this report

6. Background/supporting papers

6.1. MoU