Transport for London (TfL) has announced a lifeline for operators caught out by a surge in demand for retrofit engine emissions reduction systems approved for fitment to commercial vehicles that don't meet the new London LEZ limits.
The department has said that it will not penalise operators who have placed orders for installation of approved vehicle emissions abatement systems before the new LEZ rules come into force on 1 January 2012.
However, operators need to be able to provide the TfL contact centre with evidence of the order prior to 3 January 2012 to escape punishment.
Eminox, one of the approved catalytic converter companies, has announced an extension of its opening hours to cope.
"We are working extra shifts at our factory and fitting centres to cope with the exceptional demand," states Kathye Henderson, marketing manager.
"We are asking people to contact us before Christmas so that we can get orders confirmed by the 3 January deadline," she adds.
