Research by the SMMT shows 3.57 million vans on UK roads at the end of 2010 were not eligible for LEZ.

With little more than a month left until the new Low Emission Zone is introduced, new research by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has shown that of the 3.57 million vans on UK roads at the end of 2010, 31.1% were not eligible for London’s new Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that comes into effect on 3 January, 2012.  More surprising is the fact that London exceeded the national average with 37% of vans (almost 85,000) not meeting the emission standards.

The changes to the LEZ will require larger vans, minibuses and other specialist diesel vehicles to meet Euro 3 emission standards in order to be driven within the LEZ without paying a daily charge. Typically, Euro 3 vehicles are those registered after 1 January.

“It’s not only emissions that improve when owners and operators upgrade, fuel efficiency also gets better, returning real-world benefits on top of the LEZ savings,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “SMMT anticipates a slight rise in commercial vehicle registrations in the last quarter of 2011 as owners and operators buy into more efficient, compliant vehicles. The CV market has been strong all year and is up 20% for the year-to-date. It’s clear that those businesses and individuals running vans and trucks in the capital have already begun to renew their vehicles and we’ll be watching with interest how the market performs over the next few months.”

The LEZ will continue to apply to Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) but from 3 January, 2012 the regulations will demand an increase from Euro 3 to Euro 4 standards. Vehicles first registered as new on or after 1 October, 2006 will meet the Euro 4 standard.

Transport for London provides further detail and guidance on the London Low Emission Zone, the vehicles affected and options open to commercial vehicle operators on its website: www.tfl.gov.uk.