First Bus introduces cleaner vehicles in bid to tackle air pollution in Bath

First West of England is helping to tackle air pollution in Bath by introducing a number of less polluting vehicles to the routes it offers across the city.

Cllr Mark Shelford with Chris Hanson, First West of England’s Head of operation

Ten buses in the city have been upgraded to Euro 6 standard, meaning that they meet the very latest European requirements, which have dramatically cut the amount of harmful hydrocarbons and Nitrogen oxides that the buses Diesel engines produce.

The upgrades come just days after Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet approved the creation of a Clean Air Zone for the city, to help drive down dangerous levels of pollution and secure long-term health benefits for residents and visitors.

The £127,750 funding for the upgrades came from the Department for Transport.

Chris Hanson, First West of England’s Head of operations, said: “Everyone has to play their part in cutting emissions and improving Bath’s air quality, and First West of England are doing our bit by making sure our buses meet the latest environmental standards.

“There is now even more reason for people to leave the car at home and catch the bus.

“These converted buses will slash emissions and go a long way to improving air quality and making Bath even more beautiful.”

The upgraded buses are already on the roads and will mostly be seen on services to Southdown, Batheaston and Bathford.

First West of England are working with the local authority and the Government to see all of Bath’s bus fleet converted to the Euro 6 standard in future.

Councillor Mark Shelford, cabinet member for Transport and Environment, said: “I very much welcome this investment by First, which plays an important part air quality improvement across the city.

“The council will be providing support to help businesses and residents prepare for the introduction of the zone over the coming year and this decision by First is a great first step by our partners towards making the city cleaner and greener.”

Euro emissions standards aim to reduce the levels of harmful exhaust emissions from vehicles, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter.

The converted buses will now emit 56% less NOx per kilometre and 26% less hydrocarbon and NOx emissions per kilometre.