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.

1) Picking the Eco-Friendly Car: Points to Consider
We all know the economy is in bad shape. We also know that most people think 'cost-effective' when they think about buying their next car. Everyone's interested in saving money, both in the immediate and long-term. We don't want to pay a fortune today for a car that's worth nothing in the future. We want the exact opposite, to pay a relatively small amount for a car that is going to be quite valuable even a few years down the line.
But perhaps money should not be the only consideration. After all, is money the only mechanism we use to determine value?
When you decide to buy your next new car, why not look into eco-friendly options?
In short, there are three main eco-friendly auto design features: the hybrid, the biodiesel fuel option, and the options for reduced emissions.
The hybrid spawned a particular craze at auto shows, where they were billed as the nexus of environmentalism. It might have had something to do with the highly competitive miles to the gallon feature as well, but who's to say?
Most hybrid cars work by capturing energy spent when the breaks are applied. The energy is then stored in batteries as an alternative to fuel whenever possible. By definition, a hybrid vehicle uses two or more distinct power sources to move the vehicle. Most often, the term refers to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). The HEV combines an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors.
Feul mileage is the most commonly accepted feature of hybrids. The Toyota Prius is estimated to have around 60 miles per gallon in the city and 51 on the high way, for example. Since the design for these types of cars has also become more sophisticated and mainstream (they no longer look like moon units), there's another advantage right there.
For the comfort-conscious consumer, hybrids also offer some nice benefits as well. First, they are generally very quiet cars (no roaring engines). Second, they tend to be very smooth rides. In California and Arizona, they're particularly 'comfortable' because they give you a free pass to use the carpool lanes and whiz past traffic.
Finally, if you ever have cause to throw aside your eco-friendly attitude (for instance, you're running low on battery power), you can always refuel at your local gas station.
While you also have a much better selection of hybrid models to choose from these days, there are number of draw backs to weigh against the positives. One of the biggest issues is the battery and the speculation about how long the batteries actually last.
The first owner of the Prius, a taxi driver by profession, claimed to have put 180,000 miles on his car without a battery replacement, (a good sign) but there are no guarantees for the less car-savvy.
The second issue has to do with selection. There are a limited supply of higher-powered vehicles, such as SUV's and trucks. They tend to get slightly better mileage but not an improvement sufficient to justify the higher cost.
Most consumer reports suggest that the hybrid Escape from Ford gets approximately 22 miles per gallon in the city, and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The regular Ford Escape gets 12/27 mileage, averaging at 18 mpg.
What other options do you have to stay eco-friendly next time you buy a car?
You can use biodiesel in an existing diesel engine. Any diesel engine can manage biodiesel oil, which is typically a blend of traditional diesel and vegetable oil. You can switch back and forth between biodiesel and regular diesel. You may have to switch your oil filter more often, but it is also possible to modify the diesel engine on most cars to run a fuel called straight vegetable oil.
Although using biodiesel does not put a complete stop to the emission of pollutants, it does help.
So the next time you are in the market for a new car, consider the eco-friendly, reduced emissions options. While they may be more expensive on the front end, you'll save money on your fuel bills and help control pollutants at the same time.

Author: Tim Cartwright

About the author:
Tim Cartwright writes for AutoBidsOnline.com, a place to research car prices, new car comparisons, reviews, and much
more. Build your own car spesifications and get competitive quotes from car dealers in your areas.

Article source: Free Cars Articles.

Auto transport as the term connotes is the transportation of vehicles from one place to another through various modes of transportation safely.�For a lot of people transporting the car from one place to another, driving will be the best option but if you are intending to transport over long distances, auto transport is the best option. There are certain class of people who have the habit of using their age old cars and maintaining them in the same way as they brought it earlier. So they ensure that there is no wear and tear during vehicle transportation. Hence with the advent of auto transportation this class of people was provided with a safe module that will render safe transportation of vehicles in the same way as it was before. There are different categories of people who will want to ship their cars, trucks, caravans, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles. But the first and foremost thing what people look in for is cost effective professional assistance.

Vehicles are large objects and it is important to note the fact that a considerable amount of care has to be taken because there are some owners of vehicles who cannot withstand a scratch in their vehicle. Hence it is important that they should employ the auto transporters who can easily identify the worth of the car and take utmost care of the vehicle. The auto transporters who are appointed should be complete professionals and it is important to remember the fact that the vehicle should reach the destination point completely unharmed. These days there is high technological growth day- by- day and high there should be usage of high technological equipments so as to transport the vehicles in the most secured way.

It is important to note the fact that you need to look in for a well qualified, licensed and bonded auto shipping company for the vehicle shipping. Ensure that the vehicle shipping company has enough years of experience in the industry. We need to understand the fact that shipping a vehicle within the national frontiers is straight forward but it is quite different with respect to international shipping. You need to provide special attention, get the help of the auto transport company on documentation, fees, restrictions and regulations of the chosen destination country and ensure that the vehicle gets on to the destination point in one piece and on time.

There are a number of options that you need to choose from like enclosed vehicle shipping or open trailers. The choice of enclosed vehicle shipping will ensure that your vehicle remains protected against elements of sun, rain, water, snow, etc. The main aim should be safety and security of your valuable asset i.e. car. Look in for the facts that are they providing you with adequate coverage of insurance; it should be equal to the worth of your car. Look properly on the terms and conditions of the vehicle shipping company. Keep track of the damage that has occurred on your vehicle, all the auto transporters will check the damage that the vehicle has before loading the vehicle. The current state of the vehicle is written before acquiring the bill of lading; hence it is important that you approve the current state of the vehicle.

Author: Joseph Letzelter

About the author:
Joseph Letzelter is the seo copywriter for auto transport. He has written many articles like car shipping, vehicle transport, auto shipping, car transport and more. For more information visit our site www.movetransport.com. Contact him at josephletzelter12@gmail.com

Article source: Free Cars Articles.

It took me a while to find just the right automotive shop and mechanic in Tampa. I first had to go through a lot of grief with other auto repair shops. Many of them are unprofessional and unreliable, not quite fulfilling agreements entered into. Repairs are usually not finished on time. Some auto repair shops use substandard car parts, resulting in return jobs that cost me valuable time away from work and other productive endeavors. Even worse, I often found my vehicle stalling in the most inconvenient places even after an expensive auto repair job. That was very frustrating, indeed.

I almost gave up on hoping to find an auto repair shop and mechanic that I could truly rely on in Tampa. I refused to get stuck with shops that offered poor service, though. There had to be a better way. I vented my frustration to a co-worker and, fortunately, he referred me to Guy's Automotive.

He said he never brought his car anywhere else, whether for a simple auto oil change or for serious engine repair because the technicians there were highly skilled and experienced. They could handle everything from manual to automatic car transmissions, local to foreign cars, economy to luxury cars and even truck repair. He, therefore, made sure that he regularly brought his car for auto inspection and maintenance at Guy's Automotive. He had so much trust in this automotive shop that I was convinced to give it a try. At that point, I had nothing to lose.

Guy's Automotive in Tampa

Right off, I found the location of this auto repair shop to be very convenient, being near the downtown area. I decided to ask them for an auto inspection even if I still wasn't experiencing any actual problems with my car. I thought it would be a good way to size up the shop and its staff.

The technicians were very efficient and friendly, indeed. Not only did they give fast service, they also clearly explained to me in layman's terms what needed to be given close attention to in maintaining my vehicle. Not being very technically savvy, I greatly appreciated hearing about important details regarding my car in language that I could fully comprehend. I have never experienced such thoroughness from any other mechanic in Tampa. It gave me confidence in handling my vehicle and established my confidence in the auto repair shop, as well.

It turned out that some car parts previously put in my car were, indeed, of inferior quality and, although they were still functioning, were already showing signs that they would soon be needing replacement. The technicians at Guy's Automotive taught me how to check on those parts on my own to detect the very first signs of trouble so as not to be caught off guard on the road. They assured me that when needed, they would replace those parts only with top quality AC Delco car parts. Apparently, this auto repair shop uses only AC Delco car parts which they have proven to have the best performance.

True enough, in a few weeks' time I found the warning signs they had told me about and was able to bring my car to Guy's Automotive before having to be inconvenienced in the middle of a drive. I was so glad that they had diagnosed my car accurately and had provided me with crucial information and advice. I felt like an empowered car owner actively participating in keeping my vehicle in its best condition. It saved me time, money, effort and a lot of stress. It may have even saved my life.

Author: Guy's Automotive

About the author:
Guy's Automotive

3049 W.Hillsborough Ave.

Tampa, FL 33614

Phone: 813 353-1537

Fax: 813 353 1568

Email: guyskiver@msn.com

Website's: WWW.AUTOREPAIRINTAMPA.COM, WWW.AUTOREPAIRTAMPA.NET, WWW.GUYSAUTOSHOP.COM


Article source: Free Cars Articles.

Transportation is indispensible in day to day life. As usage of technology increases in the transportation process it determines the growth of a country. Generally people transfer from one place to another either for businesses or some other purposes and they prefer taking their own vehicles as it turns out to be a very costly affair disposing old vehicles and buying new ones. Certain classes of people always use their age old vehicles due to sentimental attachments and are reluctant to dispose them while shifting.

Certain companies involved in transportation business are specialized in transporting cars, moreover luxury cars. Generally the term luxury is a step above necessity and they generally serve as a person's status and prestige symbol. So a person who wants to transport his luxury car would not with stand a minute scratch on it as it directly deals with his status sentiments. Moreover the treatment of scratch would cost him a high rate. Hence the customer checks the past history of the company, services provided by them, the reputation of the company he will not hand over the car. The customer and the client should follow certain points which would help then serve each other better.

The first of all is the completion of paper work. If the customer has too much attachment to his car he should take everything in writing as to the compensation procedure, the date of departure and the date of arrival etc, this is done basically to avoid misunderstandings and problems in the future. Customer should also make a note to see that he has emptied his car that is he should remove all articles which has the intensity to damage the interiors of the car. Because companies provide compensation for the exterior damages not the interiors.

It is the duty of both the customer and the transporting company to examine the working efficiency of the car and also the damages on the car before it is sent for transportation. It is better to have it either written or taking a photograph would serve better. So that the company can escape from wrong claims because they can harm monetary as well as reputation related aspects.

Customer also has the right to examine the vehicle on which his car is to be loaded and transported. If he finds certain articles such as extra tire or tool kit or any such article which on the movement during transit can harm the car, customer has the whole authority to get it removed from the truck. Customer can also converse with the truck driver in order to ensure that his vehicle is in safe hands.

The last and the most important is the packaging of the cars. The customer can either pack the car himself or give the order to the transportation company itself or appoint a packaging agent. The efficient packing is necessary as it would avoid wear and tear and also has the capacity to avoid damages to the car.

Author: shijina

About the author:
Shijina is an expert author for Car shipping and auto transport. She written many articles like luxury car transport, vehicle transport and auto shipping. For more information visit our site www.aaat.com Contact me at shijinaseo@gmail.com

Article source: Free Cars Articles.

Before transporting your vehicle make sure that you prepare your vehicle for transport. Make sure you disable your alarm, protruding accessories and/or low hanging spoilers etc. If there is any fault in engine transmission, drive trains, wiring systems, window motors, air bag, brake systems, power steering or clutch cable, transporter is not responsible. The transporter will inform the customer by phone prior to delivery. When the customer comes to know about the delivery date he should keep the full payment ready.

If there is any damage in engine, batteries, cooling system, transporter is not held responsible. The pickup and delivery dates provided by the transporter to the customer are only estimates. The transporter is in no way responsible for delays caused due to rain, snow, traffic etc. Customer should not keep any convertible tops that are loose, torn or have visible wear, vehicle boots, caps, masks, bras or any other type of canvas or material covering in the car. Before handing over your car to the transporter do note down all the damages of the car in bill of lading form and sign the form. Again follow the same procedure, note down all the damages if any at the time of delivery.

If any damages have occurred during transit you can claim from the insurance company. All claims must be made in writing within 15 days of delivery with a statement of specific damages claimed.
When a customer makes payment to the transporter it should in the form of cash or cashier's check. If customer cannot make payment at the time of delivery, he has to bear all the storage expenses of the car. If customer cannot accept delivery for any reason, his vehicle will be stored. Any and all storage and/or delivery or re-delivery charges will be the responsibility of the customer. Prices are subject to change due to individual state fuel charges.

It is the responsibility of the transporter to provide insurance for the vehicle. All claims will be settled at actual cost. If the customer wants to cancel the order it has to be in writing. On receiving the order for cancellation, auto Transport Company in no way will be obligated to arrange transport for the vehicle. However, in the event that the vehicle(s) were assigned before cancellation of the order you will incur a $200 charge because you failed to properly cancel the order. Customer should pay all the storage fees, terminal fees, additional trucking fees, if any, would be due and payable to the transport company either in cash or cashier's check before release of vehicle(s) to customer or customer representatives.

Author: shijina

About the author:
Shijina is an expert author for auto transport and vehicle transport. She written many articles like car shipping, car transport and auto shipping. For more information visit our site www.aaat.com Contact me at shijinaseo@gmail.com

Article source: Free Cars Articles.