In preparation for January 2012 changes to the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) criteria, commercial vehicle manufacturers have announced schemes that help operators to upgrade to new, lower emitting vehicles, to avoid penalty fines.
A range of manufacturers will offer operators of around 72,000 larger vans and minibuses more affordable ways to buy new, lower emitting vehicles. Around 80% of vehicles affected by LEZ for the first time in 2012 are vans and the deals in some cases amount to thousands of pounds off a new vehicle.
To help London meet strict European air quality legislation, the LEZ will limit the level of pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM10), coming from road transport from 3 January 2012. Larger vans, minibuses and certain other specialist vehicles will need to meet specified emissions standards for the first time and lorries, buses and coaches already affected by the LEZ will have to meet higher emissions standards in order to drive within Greater London free of charge. The changes will broadly double the impact of earlier phases of the LEZ in reducing PM10 output. Whilst the new standards will quadruple the number of vehicles impacted by the LEZ, most vehicles driving in London currently meet the new standards already.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said; “The vast majority of people who are affected by these new changes have upgraded their vehicles and need not take any action. But for those remaining people I know these are difficult times and that their vehicles are essential for their livelihoods”.
Owners of larger vans and minibuses who do not meet the required emissions standards by 3 January 2012, and who drive within Greater London, will have to pay a £100 daily charge or risk a £500 penalty.
Manufacturers are offering a range deals, full details are at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon on the ‘Replace a vehicle’ page with links to manufacturers’ web pages.
