Beat the low emission zone

What is the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ)?

The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is a scheme run by the Transport for London (TfL). The scheme aims to reduce the pollution emissions of diesel powered commercial vehicles inside the Greater London area. The objective of the new scheme is to help London meet its European Union (EU) air pollution obligations by encouraging drivers to invest in low emission vans and commercial vehicles – specifically the EU Air Quality Framework Directive.

The LEZ scheme began in February 2008 and has gradually imposed tougher emissions standards in time for 2012 (Jan 3), when the London Low Emission Zone will become fully operational with stricter standards. Below is a table that shows the phased introduction of the LEZ scheme.

From January 3^rd 2012 all vans will have to be Euro 3 compliant of face up to a £200 daily charge. As a rule of thumb any van registered on or before 2002 is likely to liable to pay the LEZ charge. Lorries will have to be Euro 4 compliant.

What areas does the Low Emission Zone cover?

The Low Emission zone covers most of Greater London, though there are some diversion routes that allow you to avoid entering the zone. Although, in parts, the M25 crosses into Greater London motorway traffic is excluded from the scheme.

The zone is clearly signposted by TfL and the Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Below is a map of the area affected.

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) boundary map

Like the congestion charge, the zone is monitored using automatic number plate reading cameras to record number plates. Vehicles entering or moving around the zone are checked against the records of the DVLA to enable TfL to pursue owners of vehicles for which the charge has not been paid. For vehicles registered outside of Great Britain, an international debt recovery agency is used to obtain unpaid charges and fines.

What vehicles are affected by the Low Emission Zone?

• The LEZ scheme applies to diesel engine vehicles over 1.2 tonnes which must be registered with TfL.
• The scheme does not affect cars or motorcycles.
• Owners of vehicles that do not meet the low emission standards must pay a fee which can be as much as £200 per day
• Failure to pay the low emissions zone charge will resul in a fine of up to £1,500.
• A limited range of vehicles are exempted or able to obtain a discount from the charge. See Tfl for more information.
• Payment of the LEZ charge is in addition to any congestion charge required.

How can you beat the emission zone?

There are a number of ways you can avoid paying the charge:

There are a number of low emission vans and commercial vehicles to choose from.

1. Purchase of a new low emission van will ensure you don’t fall foul of the new emission standards being implemented on Jan 3 2012.
2. Fit a filter
3. Reorganise your fleet – If you operate a fleet of vehicles, you could reorganise it so that only vehicles meeting the emissions standards are driven within the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).
4. Convert to gas – You can choose to convert your vehicle to run on pure gas with a spark ignition, using an approved conversion. If your vehicle is registered in Great Britain, you’ll need to register the conversion with the DVLA and obtain a certificate from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)
5. Plan your route around the low emission zone. There are maps to help you navigate diversion routes http://www.mapsworldwide.com/sku_35920.htm and Sat Navs might help.

The alternative to the above is to pay the daily charge, a list of charges can be found here.