The London Low Emission Zone and other LEZs

The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which came into effect in February 2008, is the largest in the world.

It covers almost all of Greater London and targets emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from older diesel-engined lorries, buses, coaches, vans, minibuses and other heavy vehicles that are derived from lorries and vans such as motor caravans and motorised horseboxes.

Phased introduction

Phase one of the London LEZ, for diesel trucks of more than 12 tonnes, started in February 2008 – and according to Transport for London (TfL), almost all vehicles driving in the zone now meet the Euro-3 emissions standard or above.

Diesel lorries of more than 3.5 tonnes have had to comply with the London LEZ since phase two of Transport for London's (TfL) scheme was rolled out in July 2008.

The Mayor of London has now decided to scrap the third phase of the London LEZ, which had been due to include light goods vehicles and vans up to 3.5 tonnes.

Boris Johnson claims the proposals – originally scheduled to come into force from October 2010 – would have a detrimental impact on about 90,000 owners of smaller vans and minibuses using the zone each year as they would have faced bills of up to £2,000 for pollution abatement equipment, or £15,000 for a new vehicle.

Other UK LEZs

The LEZ in Norwich – a joint initiative between Norfolk County Council and Norwich City Council – came into force in July, but currently only applies to buses and coaches.

Glasgow has already committed itself to providing LEZs by the time of the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and the city council is producing a detailed feasibility study into the issue.

Oxfordshire County Council has unveiled proposals to introduce a weight limit and LEZ along the A44 into Chipping Norton.

These proposals will be included in an Air Quality Action Plan for the town, which the council will submit to the Government later this year.

Sheffield City Council commissioned consultants to produce a scoping study to examine the feasibility of establishing an LEZ or similar in the city, while Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Leeds, Derby and Bristol have all carried out preliminary research.

LEZs on the Continent

More than 70 cities and towns in eight countries around Europe operate or are preparing LEZs.

This year, the German cities of Berlin, Cologne, Hannover, Stuttgart and Mannheim have all introduced LEZs, as have Gothenburg, Lund, Malmo and Stockholm in Sweden.

A publicly funded website, www.lowemissionzones.eu, gives up-to-date information on LEZs around Europe.

Roger Brown
roger.brown@rbi.co.uk

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