London, UK: The new Low Emission Zone requirements for London came into effect on 3 January. Operators of Y-registration (and some 51 plate) vans must keep out of London if they want to avoid costly charges and fines.
New LEZ requirements mean that lorries, buses, coaches and heavy specialist vehicles will need to meet the Euro 4 standard for particulate matter to avoid a fine of £1000 or a daily charge of £200, while vans will have to meet Euro 3 standards if they want to avoid a fine of £500, or face a daily charge of £100 to operate in and out of London.
Most heavy goods vehicle fleets are compliant but there is concern over older vehicles operated by small busineses. Natalie Chapman, the association’s head of policy for London, said: “For many small businesses and sole traders, 2011 has been all about keeping afloat and the looming LEZ changes may catch them out. We are advising those with non-compliant vans to stay out of London, but this may prove impossible for London-based van operators.”
Van operators can check compliance of vehicles by entering their vehicle registration mark on the TfL website checker.
