The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has written an open letter to the mayor of London asking him to rethink planned changes to the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in the coming years.

Set to come into force in 2020, the ULEZ will implement a range of stricter emissions guidelines for vehicles entering the capital.

It will ensure operators of the most inefficient vehicles will pay a significant premium if they are not willing to upgrade to cleaner models in the years ahead, while also ensuring improved air quality for local residents and businesses.

However, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes argued: "The implementation of the ULEZ will accelerate the take-up of ultra-low and low-emission vehicles, but a harmonisation of standards – a technology-neutral approach – for petrol and diesel vehicles would strengthen the initiative."

He added that with separate requirements of Euro 4 standards for petrol vehicles and Euro 6 for diesel, this could lead to unnecessary confusion for vehicle operators in the years ahead, as well as failing to deliver on key targets to provide as sustainable a future as possible for the Greater London area.

A sole focus on Euro 6 for both petrol and diesel would therefore be a more desirable position.

Mr Hawes concluded that the ULEZ should aim to support the technologies that are being developed right now that will promote a greener and more sustainable future for all, but the current proposals may not go far enough down this route.

How can I take control of my fleet emissions?

In order to take full advantage of CO2Count, you will need a fuel card to capture your fleet fuel usage. Click here to find out which fuel card could save you the most money.

This story was posted by Daniel Crosby, Assistant Marketing Executive at the Fuel Card Group.