Assessment of Public Opinions on New Vehicle Technologies

This assignment involves analyzing public opinions on new vehicle technologies, specifically focusing on low emission zones and environmental access restrictions. It requires examining the impact of such measures on freight delivery activities in Europe. The assignment also involves reviewing relevant research papers and studies related to transport and environment issues.

An investigation on how London private hirer drivers would
be effected by the implementation of new law of (Ultra Low
Emission Zone) ULEZ

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Background of research...............................................................................................................1
Reason behind study....................................................................................................................1
Aim and objectives......................................................................................................................1
Research questions.......................................................................................................................2
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................2
Low emission zone in London.....................................................................................................2
Impact of low emission zone on private hirer.............................................................................3
Reason behind the introduction of law........................................................................................4
METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................4
Research Philosophy....................................................................................................................4
Research Approach......................................................................................................................4
Sampling......................................................................................................................................5
Data Collection............................................................................................................................5
Data Analysis...............................................................................................................................1
Ethical implication.......................................................................................................................1
TIMESCALE...................................................................................................................................1
RESOURCES..................................................................................................................................2
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................3

INTRODUCTION
Background of research
Low emission zone are define to as that area where access by major polluting vehicles is
restricted with aim of improving quality of air due to increasing air pollution from vehicle (TFL
Imposing the Congestion Charge, 2018). The Mayor of London in 2008 announced that they
would be establishing low emission zone covering areas of Greater London and it will be
considered to be the largest across world. This decision was taken due to fact that London is the
highest polluted city of Europe and is having around half of the total emission of PM10 and NOx
into capital city. This was on 23rd of October the current Mayor of city Sadiq Khan announced
the toxicity charge which is better known as T-charge that aimed at all those vehicles who are
not complying within the prescribed limit of Euro Standard on emission. So all those vehicle
which are not complying with the limit are to be charged with daily entry fee of £12.50 per
vehicle (The Low Emission Taxi Guide, 2018). This penalty will only be there if the vehicle
driver is not complying with the necessary daily requirement and if they are also not paying the
penalties then they will be issued with notice.
The proposal will be covering parts like that of how these low emission zone or new laws
related to it will be affecting private hirer drivers of London. This research will be focusing on
part that there is higher level of air pollution into city of London and this is increasing with
increase of number of vehicles as well.
Reason behind study
One of the major aim or purpose of this study will be identifying reason behind
increasing air pollution and also finding out why the Government of UK introduced the ULEZ
(Gutiérrez and Vernis, 2016). This particular topic is very much important that help into
exploring impact of new law of ultra-low emission zone on the private hirer drivers. As they all
need to follow the particular law that will be impacting their operations and their entry into the
area.
Aim and objectives
Aim:
To investigate the impact of new law for Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on private hirer
drivers of London: A study on Transport for London (TFL)

Research objectives:
 To identify the meaning of low emission zone in London
 To explore the reason behind introduction of Ultra-Low Emission Zone by Mayor of
London
 To investigate the impact of Ultra-Low Emission Zone on private hirer drivers of
Transport for London (TFL)
Research questions
1. What is the meaning of low emission zone in London?
2. What is the reason behind introduction of Ultra-Low Emission Zone by Mayor of
London?
3. What is the impact of Ultra-Low Emission Zone on private hirer drivers of Transport for
London (TFL)?
LITERATURE REVIEW
Low emission zone in London
According to the views of Allen, Friday and Wise, (2018) London is having the highest
level of pollution throughout city which means that Nitrogen Dioxide level is exceeding to more
than 120 times in each year. While on other hand there is limit of the pollution as per UK law
that is about 18 times a year. For decreasing this level and fighting with air pollution, Mayor of
London Boris Johnson in 2008 introduced and announced special zones that would be regarded
to as pollution free zone in London (Dablanc and Montenon, 2015). As these zones would be
those which are aimed at reducing exhaust gas emission of diesel powered commercial vehicles
in London by charging fine on them if they are exceeding the limit. This particular scheme is
also administered by Transport for London executive agency within the Greater London
Authority.
If vehicle is not able to meet the emission standards into Low emission zone then private
hirer would be charged daily for £100 for larger vans, minibus and other specialist vehicles as
well as £200 for Lorries, buses, coaches and other heavy vehicles. From the view point of
Bansal, Kockelman and Singh, (2016) it could be explained that this would be very much
impacting the private hirer drivers like that of Transport for London. As it is divided into 2 parts
which is cars or vehicles for personal and for business transport again falling into 2 categories
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like taxis and private hire vehicle (PHV) (The Low Emission Taxi Guide, 2018). It is very much
important to follow ULEZ and if taxi drivers are not following it then would be leading to pay
them daily charge from 8th of April 2019.
As noted by Cavallaro, Giaretta and Nocera, (2018) if these private taxi drivers are being
imposed by such fines or penalty then it is very much common that PHV would be increasing
their price or fare to passengers. The another option if they are not increasing the charges to
passengers then the taxi drivers would be taking the whole burden of charge on themselves only.
While it is also noted that if these taxi drivers are been imposed by more fine on PHV then
passengers would be shifting towards black taxis which are free of this particular charge. It was
also noted that these black taxies are emitting higher pollution which is two times more than
Nitrogen Oxide and 3 times more polluted as compared to PHV.
While it was also explained by Cruz and Montenon, (2016) that if these fine is wholly
owned by taxi drivers then this means it is costing to about £250 per month. As included Tinker
and Ginn, (2015) air pollution is the most common and prevalent environmental cause of many
types of illnesses and premature death across UK. Also, it was noted in one of the research
surveys that most of the urban areas are having higher and increased number of air pollutants
over years especially after 2016 and it is the cause of local air pollution.
Impact of low emission zone on private hirer
According to Jones and et.al., (2012), implementation of Ultra-Low Emission Zone is
with the motive of reducing polluting vehicle. It is expansion of transport ways with the aim of
reducing vehicles emitting the highest pollution. It is important to plan such zone because of
increased global warming and red alarm indication. In accordance with the change heavy
vehicles who are not abiding to emission standards will find own way of complying with
standards in order to be a part of Ultra-Low Emission Zone. On the other hand Dablanc and
Montenon, 2015, argued that Ultra-Low Emission Zone implementation will surely impact taxi
hirers and their income generation.
In addition, private taxi drivers follow minimum norms and regulation and therefore are
considered as part of the highest pollution vehicles. However, emergence of Ultra-Low Emission
Zone will set strict regulation for the private cab drivers and their transportation because of
which the individual will be banned or restricted on specified pathways. Thus, the restriction and
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limitation from transport routes will impact customer and profits of private taxi business.
Bergthorson and Thomson, 2015, articulated about strict regulation standard of Ultra-Low
Emission Zone which will assist in reducing pollution and various diseases among population of
London. Hence, it can be said that abiding to emission standards with expansion transport ways
is the best of controlling and managing pollution in region.
Reason behind the introduction of law
As per the view of Glesne, (2015) one of the major reason behind introduction of this low
emission zone or the law is to improve the quality of air in London. This could only be done with
the reduction of harmful vehicle emission like that of NOx. This will also be discouraging all
drivers from entering into the most polluted areas with their unsuitable vehicles. This is different
from the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) which was only working during the time of Monday to
Friday and not charging at weekend or public holidays. But this current law will be working and
operating throughout the week and 24*7 as well. The main objective of ULEZ will be reducing
the harmful emission of nitrogen oxide by 50% by 2020. So the identified reason behind
introduction of the law is to apply certain amount of restriction on vehicles like that of
motorcycles, petrol, diesel cars, vans, Lorries and buses (The Low Emission Taxi Guide, 2018).
All the vehicles which are not meeting this standards will then need to pay daily charge of
entering into Zone. So this is the main purpose of implying the law on the vehicles which will be
able to control the increasing amount of pollution into air and avoiding heavy vehicle to cross the
specified area.
METHODOLOGY
Research Philosophy
Philosophy of study in essential part of research as it suggest appropriate accumulation of
data with regard to research topic. In this researcher is able to outline summary of research
experience and overall findings which helps in framing final outcome and conclusion of searches
interpretivism and positivism are philosophical phenomenon which aid investigator in deriving
relevant outcomes. The nature of present study is subjective for which interpretivism approach
will be suitable as it helps in understanding topic which are of human interest.
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Research Approach
Approach of research is aid the scholar in deriving planning of study according to
specific procedure. It is important for the scholar to incorporate use of appropriate and relevant
research approach because it helps the investigator in outlining systematic study which helps in
addressing scope of research (Mackey and Gass, 2015). Deductive and inductive are two kinds of
approach for research which assist in reasoning and data analysis. In this research of
determining effect caused by implementation of new law of Ultra Low Emission Zone on
London private hirer drivers, the scholar will incorporate inductive approach because it aids in
logical reasoning and results on the basis of observation of facts and findings.
Sampling
Sampling is kind of statistical analysis where intellectual aim at choosing relevant
sources or population on the basis of research topic. Sampling is done in two ways that is
probability and non-probability sampling. The most viable sampling is probability sample for
subjective research type because it minimizes the risk of getting biased results. Likewise, in this
investigation of implementation of new law of Ultra Low Emission Zone the intellectual will
focus on using one of the probability sampling tool that is simple random sampling. Thus, the
sample of study will be 10 taxi hirers who will share their view over implementation of new law
of Ultra Low Emission Zone
Data Collection
Collecting data is essential part of investigation. It is based on outlining outcomes and
framing conclusion and recommendation research topic. Data is accumulated via two ways that
is primary and secondary where in primary the intellectual is able to collect current information
and facts where in secondary already accumulated information of different authors is gathered.
In present study on implementation of new law of Ultra Low Emission Zone the scholar will aim
at using primary information collection method that is Interview of sampled participants.
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Data Analysis
Analyzing accumulated information is tangled part of study because in this it is necessary
for the researcher to outline every bit of the collected facts (Glesne, 2015). Data analysis is done
in two ways that is qualitative and quantitative where qualitative helps in making theoretical
analysis of findings. However, quantitative enables mathematical reasoning via use of statistical
tools such as SPSS. In this research the intellectual will be abiding to qualitative analysis tool
where themes will be formed for analyzing collected information and facts.
Ethical implication
Adhering to ethics helps the scholar in managing systematic and smooth research because
it helps the intellectual in deriving wrong and right of certain situations which can lead to ethical
dilemma. In this present study focus of researcher will be on ensure debriefing of sampled
participants over the interview questions of primary data collection. Further, the questions will
be framed according to research topic and no findings will be diverted in any other context.
Further, while doing analysis researcher will focus on outlining unbiased information.
TIMESCALE
This timescale is the most important tool which will be identifying all essential items for
the starting and ending research project. For this it is necessary that planning is done in proper
manner so that each activity is allotted with specified time to complete the activities. So the
below timescale include all activities which is related to research proposal on investigating the
impact of ULEZ on private hirer taxi company including Transport for London. Time
management is that tool which will be helping into success of research project. But there should
be proper planning and that too keeping compliance with all deadline which is leading to results
of research project. Starting from the reading of relevant literature into advance allowing the
understanding of project and the writing up of required methodology as well.
Days 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Research
proposal
Defining
topic
Defining
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objectives
and
questions of
research
proposal
Reading
relevant
literature
Designing
topics of
literature
review
Writing
down the
literature
review
Writing
methodology
Checking
Formatting
Submitting
Task
Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
Auto
Scheduled Research proposal 9 days Wed
12/12/18
Mon
12/24/18
Auto
Scheduled Defining topic 1 day Wed 12/12/18 Wed 12/12/18
Auto
Scheduled
Defining objectives and
questions of research
proposal
1 day Thu 12/13/18 Thu 12/13/18 2
Auto
Scheduled
Reading relevant
literature 1 day Fri 12/14/18 Fri 12/14/18 3
2

Auto
Scheduled
Designing topics of
literature review 1 day Mon 12/17/18 Mon 12/17/18 4
Auto
Scheduled
Writing down the
literature review 1 day Tue 12/18/18 Tue 12/18/18 5
Auto
Scheduled Writing methodology 1 day Wed 12/19/18 Wed 12/19/18 6
Auto
Scheduled Checking 1 day Thu 12/20/18 Thu 12/20/18 7
Auto
Scheduled Formatting 1 day Fri 12/21/18 Fri 12/21/18 8
Auto
Scheduled Submitting 1 day Mon 12/24/18 Mon 12/24/18 9
RESOURCES
There will be many type of resources which are included or used within preparing of
research proposal. All the resources would be used into completion of research will be helpful
for successful completion (Bergthorson and Thomson, 2015). The great amount of resources is
still not needed for research project but apart from, that interview questions will be prepared so
there will be need of participants for the said investigation. Other than this information will be
gather from online sources like that of websites and books or journals.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Allen, J., Friday, A. and Wise, S., 2018. Understanding the impact of e-commerce on last-mile
light goods vehicle activity in urban areas: The case of London. Transportation Research
Part D: Transport and Environment. 61. pp.325-338.
Bansal, P., Kockelman, K.M. and Singh, A., 2016. Assessing public opinions of and interest in
new vehicle technologies: An Austin perspective. Transportation Research Part C:
Emerging Technologies. 67. pp.1-14.
Bergthorson, J.M. and Thomson, M.J., 2015. A review of the combustion and emissions
properties of advanced transportation biofuels and their impact on existing and future
engines. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews. 42. pp.1393-1417.
Cavallaro, F., Giaretta, F. and Nocera, S., 2018. The potential of road pricing schemes to reduce
carbon emissions. Transport Policy. 67. pp.85-92.
Cruz, C. and Montenon, A., 2016. Implementation and impacts of low emission zones on freight
activities in Europe: local schemes versus national schemes. Transportation Research
Procedia. 12. pp.544-556.
Dablanc, L. and Montenon, A., 2015. Impacts of Environmental Access Restrictions on Freight
Delivery Activities: Example of Low Emissions Zones in Europe. Transportation
Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. (2478). pp.12-18.
Dablanc, L. and Montenon, A., 2015. Impacts of Environmental Access Restrictions on Freight
Delivery Activities: Example of Low Emissions Zones in Europe. Transportation
Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board. (2478). pp.12-18.
Glesne, C., 2015. Becoming qualitative researchers: An introduction. Pearson.
Gutiérrez, R. and Vernis, A., 2016. Innovations to serve low-income citizens: When corporations
leave their comfort zones. Long Range Planning. 49(3). pp.283-297.
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Jones, A.M. and et.al., 2012. A large reduction in airborne particle number concentrations at the
time of the introduction of “sulphur free” diesel and the London Low Emission
Zone. Atmospheric Environment. 50. pp.129-138.
Mackey, A. and Gass, S.M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.
Routledge.
Tinker, A. and Ginn, J., 2015. An Age Friendly City: How Far Has London Come?. King's
College London.
Online
TFL Imposing the Congestion Charge. 2018. [Online]. Accessed through:
<https://www.addisonlee.com/addlib/tfl-imposing-congestion-charge-private-hire-
vehicles-make-london-congested-says-study/>.
The Low Emission Taxi Guide. 2018. [Online]. Accessed through: <investigation%20on%20how
%20London%20private%20hirer%20drivers%20(A73454)%204/
LowCVP_Low_Emission_Taxi_Guide.pdf>.
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