Request ID: FOI-1023-2324 Date published: 21 July 2023
You asked
I'd like to please know that for the old (especially diesel) buses in London how they are ULEZ compliant? On a recent trip to London I saw loads of really old buses, the TFL ULEZ checker said they were all compliant which was very surprising due to their age and as they were chucking out a lot of black smoke. Do TFL buses automatically get a blanket pass and are all compliant irrespective of age and emissions?
If they are modified/retrofitted how are their emissions then recorded and is this test done on a regular basis to ensure they remain compliant?
If they ae modified/retrofitted to make them ULEZ complaint would this be open to the public to also do this to their own non complaint vehicles?
Can you also please confirm if bus garages in London have hired/purchased diesel generators to aid the new electric buses being charged?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-1023-2324
Thank you for your request which we received on 3 July 2023.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You specifically asked:
I'd like to please know that for the old (especially diesel) buses in London how they are ULEZ compliant? Do TFL buses automatically get a blanket pass and are all compliant irrespective of age and emissions?
For contracting and cost purposes, TfL normally keeps buses in the London fleet for up to 14 years. All mid-life buses, that were not built as new Euro VI, have been retrofitted to meet the latest Euro VI emissions standards. All buses operating on behalf of TfL are ULEZ compliant, and have been since 2021.
If they are modified/retrofitted how are their emissions then recorded and is this test done on a regular basis to ensure they remain compliant?
All mid-life buses, that were not built as new Euro VI, have been retrofitted to meet the latest Euro VI emissions standards. As mentioned above, all buses operating on behalf of TfL have been ULEZ compliant since 2021. TfL’s contracted London Bus operating companies, who own or lease their vehicles, ensure all buses in the fleet are maintained and serviced regularly to ensure the buses remain compliant and roadworthy.
If they ae modified/retrofitted to make them ULEZ complaint would this be open to the public to also do this to their own non complaint vehicles?
TfL funded this retrofit programme specifically for buses that operate in the London bus fleet.
Can you also please confirm if bus garages in London have hired/purchased diesel generators to aid the new electric buses being charged?
TfL is not aware of any contracted London Bus operators using diesel generators to charge electric buses. If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
