TFL notice to London community transport

For the London voluntary sector, on behalf of Transport for London

In 2012 scheduled changes to the London low Emission Zone (LEZ) will affect larger vehicles – including community transport vehicles.

Transport for London want to help the London voluntary sector understand and plan for the impact this will have. This email explains how the LEZ changes will affect voluntary sector vehicles, and where you can find further support and information. Read full details here (1070 kb).

Low Emission Zone: are your vehicles affected?

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 EU legal targets to avoid heavy fines. 

That is why, from 3 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 standard for particulate matter in order to drive within the LEZ without charge.

what can you do to adapt?

If your vehicle doesn’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 3 approved suppliers to ensure you get competitively priced solutions for your vehicles. Approved suppliers are listed on the website at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon;

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

•Reorganise your Fleet - if you operate a fleet of vehicles, you could reorganise it so that only vehicles meeting the LEZ standards are driven within the 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 for vans and minibuses is £100.

The Mayor recognises that the LEZ means additional cost and has already delayed the inclusion of vans and minibuses by 15 months to allow more time to meet the required emission standard. The Mayor has also negotiated discounts on new vans and minibuses from Ashwoods, Citroen, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, and Volkswagen. Please visit www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon and click on the ‘Replace a vehicle’ link for details. TfL 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.