EGO Power+ has revealed that many UK local authorities are still using petrol-powered tools in Clean Air Zones, despite public commitments to reduce emissions.

EGO Pro X battery powered brushcutter

The findings come from a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests sent by the manufacturer of battery-powered outdoor powered machinery to 40 councils operating such zones, including several London boroughs.

The research uncovered that councils like Birmingham City and others in London continue to rely entirely on petrol-powered outdoor tools such as leaf blowers and hedge trimmers - some of which can emit significantly more harmful gases than modern cars. Independent emissions testing commissioned by EGO and Millbrook showed that certain petrol tools can emit up to 11 times more carbon monoxide and four times more nitrogen oxide than a Ford Fiesta.

While a few councils are making strides - with Kensington and Chelsea now using 100% battery-powered tools, and Sheffield and Brent at 85% and 90% battery adoption respectively - the majority, according to EGO's findings, have yet to transition.

“Our research set out to determine whether councils promoting clean air through low-emission zones are also addressing the less-visible pollutants used in maintaining public spaces,” said Vince Brauns, product director at EGO Power+. “The results show a clear gap between clean air commitments and actual practice.”

EGO say they continue to support councils in switching to cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable alternatives - a move also backed by the UK’s Climate Change Committee.