Boris Johnson today announced plans to run London’s buses on biofuel from food waste — including chip fat and a suet-like substance.
The Mayor’s environment adviser Matthew Pencharz suggested the pilot scheme could be rolled out across Transport for London’s bus fleet.
But the proposal to operate 120 buses across 10 routes on a biofuel and diesel blend was immediately dismissed as a gimmick. Critics said that while biofuel could cut CO2 emissions they would not reduce the levels of deadly particulates that have helped make London’s air quality among the worst in Europe.
They also questioned the point of the pilot when TfL was already testing four electric buses that could leap-frog any other technology if successful.
Stephen Knight, Lib-Dem environment spokesman for London, said: “Putting a part blend of biodiesel in 120 London buses is just a gimmick as all forms of diesel create air pollution.
“When over 4,000 Londoners face an early grave each year due to London’s appalling air pollution the Mayor’s first priority should be ensuring that London buses run entirely on electricity.”
However, Mr Pencharz insisted the scheme was a cost-effective way of reducing CO2 emissions by about 15 per cent for each bus with no mechanical changes required.
Mike Weston, TfL’s director of buses, said: “Using biodiesel recycles waste products reduces carbon emissions and we hope that by successfully trialling it we will encourage other transport operators to consider using it too.”
