Every diesel HGV working on the HS2 project is to be powered by the cleanest available Euro VI engines, setting a new benchmark in UK construction vehicle emission standards.

HS2 is hoping to encourage its suppliers to invest in new, cleaner and more efficient vehicles with its commitment to the Euro VI standard.

The company has already introduced the stipulation for HGVs and plans to extend the standard for cars and vans in 2020.                                       

Currently only London sets any emissions standards at all for off-road machines. However, HS2 is insisting equipment used along the route's entire length meets the EU Stage 3b standard, rising to less-polluting Stage 4 in 2020.


In the capital's Congestion Charge Zone HS2 already demands its contractors comply with Stage 4, and will raise it to Stage 5 next year.

HS2 Ltd's director of environment Peter Miller said: "HS2 is more than a railway. We are leading the industry in vehicle emission standards by exceeding London's construction industry standards and extending them 345miles across the country. We are determined to use the project's scale and duration to help cut the release of harmful combustion engine emissions by stipulating contractors building Britain's new high speed rail network use the cleanest vehicles and machinery available.

"By setting new vehicle emission standards for contractors we will contribute to efforts to improve air quality; and leave a legacy of a new fleet of low-emission HGVs and construction equipment to work on future projects. We also hope our rules influence local authorities along the route to follow HS2's lead and introduce exacting emissions standards in their area, which would benefit huge swathes of the country."

(CM)