CPA stands firm on particulate filters

The CPA has said that it will continue to oppose the introduction of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) in London, despite a new study into the harmful effects of exhaust particles.

Researchers at Edinburgh University found that tiny diesel soot particles, known as PM2.5s, were the chief culprits in 9,000 fatal heart attacks a year in the UK.

DPFs are the Greater London Authority's (GLA) favoured technology to reduce emissions on certain 'high risk' construction sites in London, as part of its London Best Practice Guide, scheduled for publication in autumn 2006.

But CPA senior manager John Varcoe indicated that the news didn't alter the organisation's stance. He said: "The problem with the initiative is that it's [the GLA] introducing it piecemeal."

He called on the GLA to stick with the European emissions regulations schedule.

Varcoe stressed the CPA was not opposed in principle to the use of DPFs on construction equipment, but cited high costs and a negligible reduction in pollution levels as a strong case to delay their implementation. He said: "We want clean air on construction sites just as much as anyone else, but it's just not the right time to do it."

[Contract Journal, 30 August 2006, p 13]