In a rare moment of what Biglorryblog considers to be common sense Transport for London (TfL) is giving trucks operators who drive in the LEZ with vehicles that don't comply with the regs a 28-day warning period in which to bring their vehicles into compliance. During this time they won't be fined, although after 28 days penalty charge notices WILL be issued, while TfL insists '...it will be up to the operator to show that they have made all reasonable progress before the introduction of the zone.' And just in case you forgot the rules the LEZ requires that from 00:01 hours on Monday 4 February 2008, diesel-engined lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes will be need to meet specified emissions standards. Meanwhile, all diesel-engined vehicles between 3.5-12 tonnes will be affected by the LEZ from 7 July 2008.
If you're a truck operator worried about meeting the LEZ regs click through here for more information from TfL...
Nick Fairholme, Head of the London Low Emission Zone, tells BLB: "“It's very encouraging to see that large numbers of operators are taking action to make their vehicles compliant with the Low Emission Zone standards. We always planned to issue only warning letters to operators of non-compliant vehicles the first time they are seen within the zone. This strikes a fair balance between ensuring the benefits are delivered whilst giving those operators who are taking steps to meet the emissions standards a warning and the opportunity to comply."
He goes on to say: “We are making the warning letter and the 28 day period known to operators now, particularly those who have sought to take action in the period up to 4 February and are concerned that they are waiting on delivery of new vehicles or to have abatement equipment fitted.”
In the meantime this is how TfL advises operators of the following four-point approach to enforcement:
1. From the date of issue of the warning letter operators will have 28 calendar days to take action. This could include, for example, making their vehicle compliant or contacting TfL if they believe the warning letter has been issued in error.
2. During the warning letter period operators will not need to pay the daily charge.
3. If the same vehicle is seen in the Zone again within this 28 day period a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will not be issued.
4. After the end of the 28 day period operators will need to pay the daily charge if they wish to drive non-compliant vehicles within the zone. However, if operators can demonstrate they have sought to comply with the emissions standards, e.g. through placing an order for an abatement device or a new vehicle in good time, then they can apply to TfL for a refund of the daily charges paid, provided they can supply appropriate evidence.
Another helpful public information posting for truck operators from Biglorryblog!
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