Over 50 per cent of new UK buses are Euro 6 compliant

53.5 per cent of new buses and coaches registered in 2015 met the latest Euro 6 emissions standard, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The increased take up of lower emission vehicles marks a threefold increase compared with 2014 and comes as the regulatory period of grace, which has allowed operators to specify older technologies for their fleets is due, to end.

Birmingham and Glasgow renewed the largest portion of their fleets with Euro 6 compliant vehicles, with 80 per cent of new buses and coaches meeting the standard. London, which has the largest fleet in the country, saw 55 per cent of new buses and coaches meet the Euro 6 standard.

Over 88,000 buses and coaches operate in the UK, travelling more than 18 billion miles a year, meaning the adoption of lower emission technologies in these vehicles is an essential part of improving air quality across the country.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Industry has invested billions of pounds in advanced vehicle technology that delivers real results so it is encouraging to see this rapid uptake of Euro 6 in the UK. The UK automotive sector remains committed to working alongside operators, government and local councils to encourage widespread adoption of the latest vehicles that will help dramatically improve the air quality in our towns and cities.”

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