First introduced in 2008, the Low Emission Zone was intended to reduce traffic pollution thereby improving the quality of air in London. From 3 January 2012, the emissions standards will become even tighter, and the LEZ will affect more vehicles.
Currently, in order to drive a lorry, bus, coach or other specialist heavy diesel vehicle in the LEZ without paying a daily charge, the vehicle must meet the Euro III standard for particulate matter. However, from 3 January 2012, vehicles will need to meet the more stringent Euro IV standard.
What can you do to prepare?
· Replace your vehicle – newer vehicles have lower emissions, so perhaps it’s time to upgrade. This is an expensive solution, particularly as the price of used Euro IV and V compliant vehicles is rising.
· Reorganise your fleet so that only vehicles that meet the new standards need to be driven into the LEZ.
· Fit a filter – this could reduce your emissions enough to meet the new standards. It does take at least 3 months to be ordered, fitted and certified, and will need to be retested every year. Osborn Transport can advise you on which exhaust unit is the right one for your vehicle, and organise both fitting a Cawdell particulate filter and carrying out a smoke test to ensure it is compliant.
If you can’t do anything about the emissions from your vehicles then you will have to pay a daily charge of £100 or £200, depending on the size of the vehicle.
Contact us today: