Visit Our Lakeside Branch website
PM is believed to contribute to health problems such as asthma, lung disease, heart problems and respiratory diseases. The new regulations will place more emphasis on the most polluting large vehicles like lorries, buses and coaches.
Exhaust Filters and Relevant Certification
Some newer vehicles registered after 1st October 2006 may be unaffected by the change although emission limits will be tighter so it is worth checking on your vehicle’s status. An increase in the types of vehicles needing to meet requirements is expected and will include vans, minibuses, motor caravans, horse boxes, pick up trucks and utility vehicles. These additions were intended from the start of the scheme in 2008 but were delayed in order to give people time to adjust.
Owners of vehicles which fall short of the new criteria will need to take action such as fitting of an exhaust filter and acquisition of relevant certification to show compliance.
The Low Emission Zone runs 24 hours a day 365 days a year and uses CCTV technology to match vehicle number plates with specification information on the schemes database and with other sources including the DVLA.
Wider Range of Vehicles Liable for Charges
No longer thought of as a specifically commercial vehicle scheme, LEZ will now bring into focus vehicle types that may be operated or owned privately such as:-
- 4 x 4 utility vehicles [with an unladen weight of more than 1.205 tonnes]
- Pick up trucks [with an unladen weight of more than 1.205 tonnes]
- Vans [with an unladen weight of more than 1.205 tonnes]
- Motor homes/caravans [with a gross weight of 2.5 tonnes]
- Minibuses [with 8 or more passenger seats]
- Ambulances [with a gross weight of over 2.5 tonnes]
Vehicle owners intending to use the Low Emission Zone after 3rd January 2012 would be unwise to disregard the new rules as daily charges are steep. Depending on vehicle type, owners will pay between £100 and £200 and as days run from midnight to midnight it is possible to find yourself paying two daily charges.
Vehicles – Modified, Certified & Registered
It is a good idea to determine whether or not your vehicle needs to be modified, certified and registered with Transport for London [TfL] as soon as possible as this process can take up to 3 months.
A vehicle will meet the new Euro 1V standards for PM if :-
- It was newly registered on or after 1st October 2006
- You have fitted an approved full filter or converted to an approved gas engine and received a LEC or RPC.
In this case you will not be liable for any changes when driving within the Low Emission Zone.
However you will need to take action to ensure your vehicle or vehicles meet the new 2012 emissions standards if :-
- It was newly registered before 1st October 2006
- You only fitted a partial filter on receipt of a LEC or RPC
- You received an LEC or RPC for an eligible engine [no longer acceptable]
- You have a Low Emission Certificate with box 'M' ticked [indicating particulate trap fitted or modification type used]
LEZ – Implications for Hire Companies
Motorists hiring self drive vehicles should check with the hire companies on the status of the hire vehicle to prevent any risk of the hirer being charged.
Alllied Self Drive Hire – Response to the 2010 London Emissions Zone (LEZ)
We are awaiting delivery of 2 Mercedes Atego 7.5t box tail lift trucks, to ensure our fleet is fully compliant with the LEZ requirements.
Since 2007 our buying policy is to purchase Mercedes Benz trucks. We find that their durability is ideal for the hire environment and they retain a strong residual value. It is also our observation that hire clients prefer the driving experience of the Mercedes truck. Both Ford and Mercedes have good residual values, a good dealer network, low maintenance cost and high service intervals. These features are very appealing to Allied Self Drive Hire, as we carry a high volume of hire trucks, minibuses, Lutons and transit vans.