Transport for LondonVehicles affected
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has proposed in his Air Quality Strategy ('Clearing the Air') to continue the suspension of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations for large vans and minibuses until 2012. The LEZ, which requires vehicles to meet Euro III standards for particulate emissions, has been in operation for lorries, buses and coaches since 2008. It was originally intended to extend the LEZ to include large vans (LGVs) and minibuses from October 2010.
The Mayor suspended the 2010 deadline as, given the economic climate, he felt that the cost for operators of complying with the LEZ within that timeframe was more significant than when the LEZ was first introduced in 2008. Deferring the scheme for large vans and minibuses will give operators and owners of large vans and minibuses more time to comply with the requirements and ease the financial burden on operators in the Capital.
All proposed changes to the LEZ scheme will be subject to public consultation, and will need to be considered by the Mayor once he has reviewed the outcome of the consultation.
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) affects older, diesel-engined lorries, buses, coaches, large vans (exceeding 1.205 tonnes unladen weight) and minibuses (over eight seats plus the driver's seat and below 5 tonnes).
Cars, motorcycles and small vans (under 1.205 tonnes unladen weight) are not included in the LEZ
It also affects other specialist vehicles that are derived from lorries and vans, including motorised horse boxes, breakdown and recovery vehicles, refuse collection vehicles, snow ploughs, gritters, road sweepers, concrete mixers, tippers, removals lorries, fire engines, extended-cab dual purpose pick-ups and some light utility vehicles. Motor caravans, ambulances and large hearses (over 2.5 tonnes) are also included.
The LEZ applies to all vehicles, irrespective of whether they are used for commercial or private use.
Cars, motorcycles and small vans (under 1.205 tonnes unladen weight) are not included in the LEZ.
Check your vehicle
To find out if your vehicle is affected, use our online compliance check or check the LEZ emissions standards.
If it is affected, find out how to comply and understand what you can do to meet the LEZ emissions standards and avoid paying a daily charge.
