The London low-emission zone (LEZ) has now officially come into force, though TfL is allowing operators 28 days' breathing space. Dylan Gray gives an overview for all those who are still baffled.
The London low-emission zone (LEZ) has now been in place since Monday, though no payments have to be made just yet. This is because Transport for London (TfL) has given operators a 28-day grace period, from the first time they enter the LEZ, to get their
vehicles compliant. Here we look at the basics of the LEZ and what it means for operators. For more information on the zone please get in touch with TfL at the LEZ contact centre on 0845 607 0009 (or if you're calling from outside the UK on +44 (0) 207 310 8998).
All public roads, including certain motorways within the boundary (except the M25), are included in the LEZ.
Motorways that are included are:
From 4 February onwards, heavy diesel-engined vehicles over 12 tonnes GVW - including goods vehicles, motor caravans, motorised horseboxes and other vehicles - will not be allowed into the zone unless they meet Euro-3 particulate levels. In January 2012 this changes to Euro-4. From July 2008 the zone will also affect vehicles between 3.5 and 12 tonnes as well as buses and coaches.
Last but not least, vans between 1.205 and 3.5 tonnes will have to comply by October 2010.
Some Euro-1 and 2 vehicles already meet the required Euro-3 particulate level. To check if your truck is on the list click here.
TfL states that vehicles designed and built for mainly off-road use, but which may be used on the road for limited purposes, are exempt from the LEZ. These include agricultural and forestry tractors, mowing machines, agricultural and farm machinery, mobile cranes and road and building construction machinery. Historic vehicles dating from before 1 January 1973 and military vehicles will also not have to pay the charge.
TfL recommends a number of manufacturers that produce and supply exhaust technology which in many cases can bring a vehicle up the required LEZ standard. These include: Astra Vehicle Technologies, Eminox, Cawdell Group, GAT Eurocat, Clean Diesel Technologies, Kleenair Systems, Dinex Exhausts and Per-Tec.
If an aftermarket exhaust has been fitted to make a vehicle reach the correct Euro standard, or if it is on the eligible engines list, it must go through an LEC test. There has been some confusion in the build-up as to what is required to pass an LEC test. The particulate matter levels are predetermined by the manufacturers and cannot be established by smoke test. TfL will not test any vehicles that are not on the eligible engine list, unless fitted with abatement equipment.
The introduction of the LEZ has not been a smooth processes. Many operators have contacted Commercial Motor and trade associations such as the FTA and RHA complaining of not receiving their abatement equipment on time for the start of the LEZ. Aftermarket companies claimed the long lead times for their equipment was due to very high demand and a shortage of raw materials. Operators argued that it was not possible for them to order their equipment much earlier as TfL took its time deciding which vehicles were eligible or not. It was after this that TfL made public its 28-day grace period.
The RHA had also previously threatened to report TfL to the Advertising Standards Agency for the way the London LEZ was being promoted. Posters showed very dirty trucks and radio adverts were played with what sounded like a 1950s tractor engine chugging away in the background. The RHA argued this was a misrepresentation of the industry.
Operators do not have to register their vehicles if they are already LEZ-compliant or if they are exempt. TfL states that those that do have to register are:
The registration form can be obtained here and should either be e-mailed or posted in at least 10 days before the vehicle is to enter the zone.
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