Siemens to develop software for London’s 24/7 ULEZ

Siemens is to deliver a major project to develop software for the implementation of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) next year.

The traffic management technology company will carry out the work over the next 12 months to enable the software to be deployed for service preparation activities leading up to the scheme going live from April 2019.

Siemens ITS sales and marketing director Matthew Vincent said: ‘As cities continue with their aspirations to improve the air quality, increasingly they need to revert to the implementation of a Clean Air Zone or Low Emission Zones .

‘Siemens is proud that its technology has been chosen in London and we look forward to working with other cities and regions in developing their own implementation of scalable LEZ/CAZ solutions that support their local needs.’

Paul Cowperthwaite, TfL’s general manager for road user charging said, ‘By April 2019 all vehicles, barring some exemptions, will need to meet exhaust emission standards or pay a daily charge when travelling in central London. London’s air quality isn’t a part-time issue so once the ULEZ goes live it will be in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

‘We are working to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place by 2019 and assigning projects to contractors such as Siemens will ensure we meet this deadline.’

Siemens is already responsible for the enforcement system for London’s Congestion Charge scheme (pictured) – the world’s largest – which has involved the company in the design, build, operation and maintenance of the system for over 10 years.