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Operators can now book their vehicles in for Low Emission Certificate (LEC) tests to comply with London's Low Emission Zone which will come into force next February. Vosa began accepting advance bookings for the tests on 20 August inspections will be held at LGV test stations from 3 September.

For £28 the LEC test will determine if a vehicle over 12 tonnes meets the Euro-3 standard for particulate matter (PM). If the LEC test is carried out at the same time as an annual test the cost will be reduced to £17. CVs over 3.5 tonnes will also need to comply from July 2008.

LEC tests have been hurried in after it was realised that some Euro-1 and 2 vehicles reach the Euro-3 standard for PM emissions  (TfL pays Vosa for LEZ testing). Vehicles which fail to meet the LEZ emissions standard and are not covered by a valid LEC will have to pay £200 for entering the zone. Vosa will tell Transport  for London if a vehicle has passed or failed the LEC test.

Tests can be booked via LGV test stations or with Vosa on 0870 6060 440. The status of a vehicle can be checked by contacting the TfL call centre on 0845 6070 009 or see the vehicle compliance checker at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon.