LOW EMISSION ZONE - What is this?

Q. What is the Low Emission Zone (LEZ)?

A: The LEZ is a specified area in Greater London, within which the most polluting diesel-engined vehicles are required to meet specific emission standards.

Q. What area does this cover?

A: Most of Greater London, following the GLA boundary. In some places the LEZ deviates from this boundary in order to allow for suitable diversion routes and turnarounds points.

Q. What vehicles does the LEZ apply to?

A: From 4 February 2008, it will apply to all diesel-engined vehicles over 12 tonnes in weight. From July 2008 it will also apply to all lorries over 3.5 tonnes.

Q. I'm going into London - how do I know if my vehicle meets the required emission standards.

A: You can check whether your vehicles meets the LEZ emission standard by using the vehicle compliance checker at tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon or by calling 0845 607 0009. This will also tell you if your vehicle is exempt.

Q. My vehicle does not meet the required emissions standrds and I am going into the London tomorrow. What do I do?

A: You can still go into the LEZ but there will be a daily charge of £200.

Q. My vehicle meets the required emissions - what do I do now?

A: You may need to register your vehicle with TfL. A quick phone call to them will tell you if you must register your vehicle and/or any discounts you can get. Once your vehicle is on DVLA or VOSA database you need do nothing else. In the LEZ there are fixed and mobile camera's which read your vehicle registration and checks againt the DVLA / VOSA database.

Q. How will I know when I am entering the LEZ?

A: There will be signs at the side of the road onthe approach to the LEZ.

Q. My vehicle meets Euro I and II emissions, so do I have to now meet Euro III?

A: There are a number of options available to owners and operators of vehicles which do not currently meet the LEZ emissions standrds. Euro I and II engines eligible for LE Certificate. Some vehicles with Euro II engines and a very small number of vehicles with Euro I engines may have particulate matter emissions that meet the LEZ emissions standards in 2008 without modification. The list of qualifying engines is published on the TfL website as the L E Certificate Eligible Engines List. If your vehicle is fitted with one of these engines, you will need to have it inspected by VOSA who will check the engine is on the Eligible Engine List and perform a 'smoke test'. After a successful test VOSA will issue either a Reduced Pollution Certificate (RPC) or Low Emission Certificate (LEC).

Q. My vehicle is currently exempt will it retain its exemption in 2012.

A: In short the answer is currently NO.  You will have the choice of upgrading the system on your vehicle or upgrading your vehicle.