Larger vans and minibuses required to meet LEZ standards from 2012 21 September 2010

Transport for London (TfL) today announced that from 3 January 2012 larger vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles will be included in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

There will also be changes for operators of HGVs, buses and coaches that have been subject to the LEZ emissions standards since 2008. From 3 January 2012 they will be required to meet a tighter standard of Euro 4 for PM to deliver a further reduction in emissions from these vehicles.

On the vans and buses side, following a statutory public consultation, Mayor of London Boris Johnson confirmed that these vehicles must meet Euro 3 for particulate matter (PM) to drive free of charge in the zone.

These vehicles were originally due to be included in the LEZ from 4 October 2010. However, the deferral to January 2012 was allowed to enable owners and operators of the estimated 70,000 non-compliant vehicles more time to make the necessary changes during a tough recession.

Johnson says he will continue to encourage vehicle manufacturers to explore other emissions-cutting options, such as incentive packages to help people to replace their vehicles to avoid fines.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor's Transport advisor, says: "Pressing ahead with including the most polluting larger vans and minibuses in the LEZ is an important part of the comprehensive package of measures we are introducing to cut pollution in order to meet and exceed legal standards."

Nick Fairholme, acting director of congestion charging and traffic enforcement, adds: "TfL is working with operators and owners to make sure their vehicles meet the emission standards, rather than pay the daily charge."

He indicates that the Mayor is investing £250 million a year on measures to tackle air quality, including increasing the number of hybrid buses, supporting the mainstream use of electric and other low emission vehicles and the New Bus for London, which will be less polluting than traditional diesel vehicles.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Transport for London

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