London - sustainable transport

•Diesel-electric hybrid buses London's red buses are going green. Hybrid buses are quieter, cleaner and more fuel-efficient than standard diesel buses.

•Hybrid buses reduce emissions of local pollutants and carbon dioxide by at least 30 per cent compared to conventional diesel buses. There are 172 diesel-electric hybrid buses in London. By the end of March 2012 the total number of hybrid buses in the fleet will be 269.

•Hybrid buses are powered by a mix of an ordinary diesel engine and an electric motor. The hybrid buses we use also have regenerative braking, which means they generate electrical energy when the brakes are pressed. This electrical energy is stored in a battery pack and used to drive the electric motor.

London test their hybrid buses to make sure they produce feweer greenhouse gas emissions, harmful pollutants and lower noise levels.

Compared with diesel buses, hybrid buses deliver environmental benefits including:

• Minimum 30% reduction in fuel use
• Minimum 30% reduction in carbon dioxide
• 3 decibel reduction in percieved sound levels
• Reduced oxides of nitrogen and carbon monoxide

What is the LEZ?

The low emission zone (LEZ) was introduced in 2008 to encourage the most polluting heavy diesel vehichles driving in the capital to become cleaner. The LEZ covers most of Greater London. To drive within it without paying a daily charge these veichles must meet certain emissions standards that limit the amount of particulate matter (a type of pollution) coming from their exhausts

Despite significant improvements in recent years, London's air pollution is still a concern

So much so that on 3rd January 2012, the LEZ emissions standards became more stringent. More veichles are affected, and those that were already affected need to meet tighter emissions standards.

How does it work?

There are no barriers or tollbooths within the LEZ. Instead, cameras will read your number plate as you drive within the LEZ and check it against the database of registered vehicles.

This database is complied using information from the driver and vehicle licensing agency (DVLA), the vehicle operator services agency (VOSA), generic vehicle weight data typical of the make and model and drivers and operatore who are registered with them.

This tells them automatically whether your vehicle meets the LEZ emissions standards, is exempt, is registered for a discount or if you've already paid the daily charge

Where does it operate?

The LEZ covers most of Greater London.

All roads within Greater London, those at Heathrow and parts of teh M1 and M4 are included. However, ther M25 is not included (even where it passes within the Greater London Authority boundary.

There are signs to tell you where the boundary lies and which side of the road it applies to.

Congestion Charge

The congestion charge has been effective in reducing traffic levels and allowed the Lonon authorities to invest in improving transport in London

There has been a 6% increase in bus passengers during charging hours

By law, all net revenue raised by the charge (£148m in financial year 2009/2010) has to be invested in improving transport in London

Hours of operation

07:00 - 18:00 monday to friday

No charge on weekends, public holidays between christmas day and New year's day inclusive, or between 18:00 and 07:00

How it works?

Docking station

You take a cycle, ride it where you like, then return it, ready for the next person. It is available 24 hours a day, all year round. It's a self - service and there's no booking. Just turn up and go. It is best for short journeys

How to hire?

Become a member online

OR

Buy access at any docking station with a credit or debit card then choose any cycle from any docking station.

Costs

It costs the same whether you are a member or not, though members can buy the most cost - effective (annual) access

You pay for the right to hire the cycle (access fee) and for the amount of time you've got it (usage charge)

Problems picking up and returning cycles

If there are no cycles

• When you get to a docking statio, the terminal map shows where there are some nearby.

If the docking station's full

• When you return your cycle, check the terminal to see where there are free docking points nearby. You can get up to 15 minutes extra time from the terminal if you need to cycle to another station.

Problems parking

Parking a cycle

• You can only leave your cycle at a docking station. Don't leave it unattended anywhere else. If you have it for more than 24 hours you'll get charged £150 for its late return.
• Always return it to a docking point that's got no lights on and push it firmly into place. Wait until the lights turn green to ensure the cycle's put back properly or we won't know you've finished with teh cycle and will keep charging you. There's a five minute wait between returning a cycle and hiring another.

HINT: If all your journeys are under 30 minutes, all you pay is your access fee

Access fee - allow you to use the scheme for:

24 hours £1

7 days £5 - equivalent to only 71p/day

Annual £45 - equivalent to only 12p/day (members only)

If you want to use more than one cycle (up to four) you will need to pay an access fee for each cycle

Members can pay be credit or debit card online

Casual users can pay at a docking station or online. No cash or oyster cards

Take a cycle as often as you like per access period, leaving 5 mins between each trip

You must be over 18

Payment cards

If you're a member and want to buy casual user access, you'll need to use a different payment card, to the one registered to your account

An access period begins:

Members - when you put your key in the docking station point or terminal

Casual user - when you identify yourself by putting your card in the terminal