New research conducted by EGO reveals that 60% of tools used in ‘clean air zones’ are still petrol-powered.

Local authorities such as Birmingham City Council and certain London boroughs are amongst those using 100% petrol-powered tools.

The use of these petrol-powered tools compromise air quality and can produce emissions comparable with cars, says EGO.

Emission testing research carried out by EGO and Millbrook show that some petrol-powered gardening tools can emit 11 times more carbon monoxide and four times more nitrogen oxide than a Ford Fiesta.

The data shows some councils are actively looking towards completely transitioning over to battery-powered tools.

London’s Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea tools are already exclusively made up by battery-powered equipment.

While 85% of tools used by Sheffield council are battery-powered, London Brent battery-powered tools make up 90%.

Vince Brauns, product director at EGO says every local authority is faced with a sustainability challenge, and the company was keen to research each clean zone, adding:

“By focusing our research on councils who have made clear commitments to sustainability through clean air zones, we were keen to understand if councils have recognised the negative impact of petrol-powered tools”

He also says modern technology makes it much easier for councils to make the switch.