Environment and roads

Cleaner air for Greater London – how will the Low Emission Zone affect you?

If you drive within the Greater London area (including all London Boroughs) the new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) could affect you.

The most polluting diesel-engined vehicles within the LEZ, which covers Greater London, are now required to meet specific exhaust emissions standards. If they do not, they will need to pay a daily charge.

The LEZ will not apply to cars, motorcycles or small vans (under 1.205 tonnes unladen weight).

The LEZ will begin in stages:

• From 4 February it will only apply to diesel-engined lorries over 12 tonnes in weight
• From July 2008 it will also apply to all lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches
• From October 2010 large vans and minibuses will also be covered, as will other large diesel-engined vehicles such as motor caravans and motorised horseboxes

Why has the LEZ been set up?

The aim of the LEZ is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from driving in the area. London has the worst air pollution in the UK and amongst the worst in Europe. Air pollution affects the health and quality of life of Londoners and its visitors, especially those with respiratory and cardiovascular problems. It was estimated that in 2005 approximately 1,000 premature deaths and a similar number of hospital admissions occurred due to the poor air quality in London.

How do I check my vehicles emissions standards?

If you are unsure of how your vehicle is affected, you can check whether your vehicle meets the LEZ emissions standards using the vehicle compliance checker at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon or by calling 0845 607 0009. This will also tell you if your vehicle is exempt or entitled to a discount.

What do I have to do?

The LEZ requires the most polluting vehicles to meet specified emissions standards in order to be driven within the zone without being subject to a daily charge. Operators of vehicles that currently do not meet the LEZ emission standards have several options if they wish to drive in the LEZ:

• They can buy a newer vehicle that meets the required emissions standards
• They can reorganise their fleet for journeys within the zone
• They can modify their vehicles to meet the required standards
• Or pay a daily charge

All affected vehicles must register with Transport for London.

The website www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon gives more information and options for owners of vehicles that do not meet the emissions standards and instructions on how to pay the charge.

Source: Transport for London