CHANGES TO LOW EMISSION ZONE

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London's Low Emission Zone is changing in 2012. Are you ready?

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was launched in 2008 to deliver cleaner air for London. London's air pollution levels are falling, but more needs to be done to protect the long term health of people living and working in London. Without further action, London will not be able to meet the EU legal targets to avoid heavy fines.

That is why from January 2012 there will be tighter emissions standards and more vehicle types will be included.

From 3  January 2012, the emissions standards for vehicles already affected by the LEZ will be tightened. Lorries, buses and coaches, and other specialist heavy vehicles will be required to meet a Euro IV standard for particulate matter to drive within the LEZ without charge.

From 3 January 2012, larger vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles will have to meet a Euro 3 standartd for particulate matter in order to drive within the LEZ without charge.

The new website www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon includes a vehicle checker so you can find out if your vehicles meet the new standards.

If your vehicles don't meet the new LEZ standards, you have a number of options.

Fit an approved filter - If you are considering fitting a filter, we advise that you contact at least three approved suppliers to ensure you get comeptitively priced solutions for your vehicles. Approved suppliers are listed on the website at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezondon;

Upgrade your vehicle - you maty choose to upgrade to a new (or newer) model that does meet LEZ standards;

Reprganise your fleet - if you operate a large fleet of vehicles, you could reorganise it so that only vehicles meeting the LEZ standards are driven within that zone;

Rent a vehicle - if you have a short-term need or plan to drive in the zone very infrequently you may consider renting a vehicle that meets the LEZ standards; or

Pay the daily charge - you can pay a daily charge to drive a vehicle that does not meet the LEZ standards inside the zone. The daily charge for lorries, buses and coaches is £200 and £100 for vans and minibuses.

The Mayor recognises that the LEZ means additional cost and has alraedy delayedt he incusion of vans and minibuses by 15 months to give people more time to prepare. The Mayor has also negotiated the discounts on new vans and minibuses from Ashwoods, Chtroen, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, and Volkswagen. Please visit www.ftl-gov.uk/lezondon and click on the 'Replace a Vehicle' link for details. We are also aware that some filter manufacturers are offering discounts too.

Most vehicles driving in london already meet the standards but we need to encourage those remaining to do the same. We would encourage you to take any necessary action early as some options take several months to complete.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information: Email lez@tfl.gov.uk or call Miss Rumiya Uddin (Tel: 020 3051 1539). Alternatively, visit the website at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon.

We hope that you find this information useful.

Yours sinceerely,

Samantha Kennedy
Head Of Strategy Stekeholders and Partnerships
Low Emission Zone