The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) prevents the use of the highest polluting commercial vehicles within the Greater London area (roughly within the M25).  Currently all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes need to be using Euro 3 engines but, from 3 January, 2012, this requirement goes up to Euro 4.  In addition, smaller vans between 1.2 and 3.5 tonnes Gross Vehicle Weight, will need to meet the Euro 3 standard.

Only vehicles first registered after 1 January, 2002 will meet the Euro 3 standard and only vehicles first registered after 1 October, 2006 will meet the Euro 4 standard (unless they have been modified).

When does it operate?

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including weekends and Bank Holidays.

Charging days run from midnight to midnight. So if you were to enter the LEZ in a vehicle that doesn't meet the required emissions standards at 11:30pm and exit at 1.00am the next day, you'd need to pay for two days.

Vehicles parked in the zone but not driving are not subject to the LEZ requirements for that day.

How does it work?

There are no barriers or toll booths within the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Instead, cameras read your number plate as you drive within the LEZ and check it against a database of registered vehicles.

This database is compiled using information from The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and drivers and operators who have registered directly.

This tells Transport for London automatically whether your vehicle meets the LEZ emissions standards, is exempt, is registered for a discount or if you've already paid the daily charge.

Why have an LEZ?

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was introduced in 2008 to encourage the most polluting diesel vehicles driving in London to become cleaner.

To drive within the LEZ without paying a daily charge, your vehicle must meet certain emission standards that limit the amount of particulate matter coming from its exhaust. Particulate matter is a type of pollution that can contribute to asthma, heart and lung disease, other respiratory illnesses and even early death.

By reducing traffic pollution, the aim is to improve the health and quality of life of everyone visiting, working in or living in London.

What are the penalties?

If you take a non-compliant vehicle into the LEZ you must pay a daily charge of £100 for a small vehicle and £200 for a large one.  If you fail to pay the charge you will be liable to a fine of up to £1,000.

Don’t confuse the LEZ with the Congestion Charge

The LEZ isn't the same as the central London Congestion Charging zone. The Congestion Charge applies 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday-Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. If you drive within the Congestion Charging zone during these times you will have to pay the Congestion Charge, even if you meet the LEZ emissions standards or have paid the LEZ daily charge.

 

Comment:  The LEZ has been operating in London for three years now.  These forthcoming changes are just the tightening of an already creaking screw.  How has the LEZ affected your business?  What advice would you give to companies that will be caught for the first time by the Phase 3 and 4 changes?  E-mail comment@themover.co.uk.