The London LEZ started on Monday 4 February, affecting all trucks over 12 tonnes running into the zone, which covers 610 square miles (1,580 sq km) of Greater London. For practical purposes it is virtually anywhere inside the M25. Transport for London says truckers operating in the area have 28 days from the date when they first enter the zone to meet its emissions standards or show that
they have taken 'all reasonable steps to comply.'

This move follows months of industry warnings that neither new trucks nor retrofit emissions kit for old ones are as reaadily available as TfL expected. During this 'warning period' operators won't be fined, but after 28 days they'll get penalty charge notices and they will need to show that they have 'made all reasonable progress' to get their trucks ready. '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,' said Nick Fairholme, head of the London Low Emission Zone. From 7 July the LEZ will also hit buses and coaches, but TfL says the 28 days 'grace' period will last for the life of the scheme.

Vehicles that are recorded on the LEZ database as complying with Euro III or later emissions standards do not have to pay the daily charge. Some vehicles with Euro I and II engines may meet the current LEZ standard without modification but those that don't must either
be modified or pay to travel in the zone. Transport for London publishes a list of qualifying older vehicles on its web site at tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon

The Low Emission Zone covers most of Greater London, following the Greater London Authority boundary. All roads, including certain motorways within the LEZ boundary are included. The M25 motorway is not included in the LEZ even where it passes within the
boundary. Signs at the side of the road warn drivers that they are approaching the zone. There are no barriers or tollbooths. The LEZ is enforced through fixed and mobile cameras that read registration numbers and compare them to a database of vehicles that meet the LEZ emissions standards, or are either exempt or registered for a 100% discount, or have paid the daily charge.

Discounts and exemptions

The only exemptions to the LEZ scheme apply to military vehicles; pre-1973 historic vehicles and vehicles designed for limited on-road use, such as farm machinery, mowing machines and mobile cranes. Owners of such vehicles do not need to register them with TfL. There is also a 100% discount for showman's vehicles.

Charges and penalties

From 4 February, operators of lorries over 12 tonnes that do not meet the LEZ emissions standards need to pay a daily charge of �200. Buses, coaches and other vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will also have to pay �200 from July 2008 if they do not meet the standard. From October 2010, operators of minibuses and vans between 1.2 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes will have to pay �100 per day to drive in the zone unless they meet the emissions standard. Payment can be made online, by telephone or by post up to 64 days in advance of the day of travel, or up to midnight on the first working day after travelling in the zone. If the operator fails to pay the LEZ daily charge, TfL send a penalty charge notice to the registered keeper of the vehicle. The penalty charge for heavy lorries, buses, coaches and other vehicles over 3.5 tonnes is �1,000. For minibuses and medium vans (from 2010 onwards), the penalty will be �500. Thee charges are reduced by 50% if paid within 14 days or increased by 50% if not paid within 28 days.

GB-registered vehicles

Most operators of GB-registered vehicles that meet the LEZ emissions standard do not have to register their vehicles with TfL. This is because TfL has compiled a database of compliant vehicles using data from the DVLA and other bodies.

Non GB-registered vehicles

All non GB-registered vehicles affected by the LEZ will have to be registered with TfL or face penalties for driving in the zone, even if they meet the emissions
standards. Owners must provide TfL with documents to verify the vehicle's emissions standards.

Options for older vehicles

Owners of pre Euro III-engined vehicles must pay the daily charge to travel in the zone unless they upgrade them to a higher standard. The options include fitting a particulate trap to the exhaust, or a less effective 'partial trap'; replacing the engine with a more recent version or converting to an approved alternative fuel such as CNG. Conversions and modifications must be independently certified in order to avoid the daily charge. TfL's web site gives details of approved equipment manufacturers, suppliers and testing/certification bodies.

Hired vehicles

Minibuses (up to 5 tonnes gross weight) and medium vans are not liable for LEZ charges until October 2010. After that date, anyone hiring one is advised to check with the rental company to ensure that the vehicle complies with the relevant LEZ emissions standard (in this case, Euro III). The LEZ regulations allow rental companies to pass liability for non-payment of charges and penalties to the hirer.

Author: Graham Nichols

About the author:
Arval specialises in fuel cards and Free Cars Articles.