A CHARITY which supports stroke victims in Waltham Forest is facing a race against time to raise around £20,000 to replace its minibus before new rules on vehicle emissions are introduced in London.
The Connaught Stroke Club, which caters for around 40 sufferers and their families in the borough, must get a new vehicle or face hefty fines when the capital's Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations are expanded in January.
The measures were first introduced by Transport for London (TfL) in 2008 as part of attempts to reduce pollution from older, inefficient vans and lorries by discouraging their use.
But it is now being widened to include smaller vehicles, like the club's minibus, which are more than ten years old.
The coach is used to get the group's members to and from its social and support meetings at the Connaught Day Hospital at Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, but is also used by the smaller Chingdale Stroke Club in Chingford.
Carol Court, who has run the Connaught group throughout its 28-year history, said members could be stranded and unable to attend its fortnightly gatherings unless money was raised.
She said: "It is frustrating that they [TfL] don't seem to realise the effect this will have on small charities like ours.
“We've got to raise the funds but there's also problems with parking if we get a shiny new one. At the moment our bus is parked in a residential street near Whipps Cross Hospital and in the past we have had problems with it getting smashed.
“One time in Leytonstone the driver removed part of the engine to clean it up and put it on the pavement. He turned round and the next moment it was gone. We will need a secure, locked location if we get a new one.”
Mrs Court, 64, added: “A stroke is a terrible thing to happen and can severely affect people, so this is very important for everyone to get together because everyone can understand and share experiences.
“If anyone could help us if the parking, donations or volunteer work we would be very grateful.”
A TfL spokesman said: “The changes to the Low Emission Zone are being introduced to deter the oldest and most polluting vehicles from driving in the capital. "The changes are being introduced because poor air quality poses a serious health threat to Londoners, in particular younger and older people and those with underlying health problems.
"TfL recognises and values the essential role performed by charities, voluntary and community groups, however some of the vehicles operated by this sector are amongst the most individually polluting of their type.
"We do recognise these are difficult economic times and the Mayor deferred the introduction of larger vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles for 15 months to allow people to prepare."
He added: “TfL will work with charitable organisations to provide advice on the most costs effective options for their vehicles to meet the required standards. TfL would much rather all vehicles met the required standards rather than anyone paying a daily charge.
"There are a number of options that can be taken before the January 2012 deadline, ranging from the fitting of approved abatement equipment on existing vehicles through to purchasing a cleaner second hand vehicle or for occasional journeys renting a compliant vehicle can be an option.
"A significant range of discounts with a number of major manufacturers of new vehicles have also been negotiated."
If you think you can help the Connaught Stroke Club, contact Mrs Court via email on caroldavid65@talktalk.net or call 01279 723718.
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