This year, London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is changing. In operation since 2008, the freight industry has become used to the city-wide LEZ. However, from 26 October 2020, LEZ emissions standards will be tougher for heavier vehicles.
London’s toxic air is now a public health crisis, with the city’s air pollution contributing to thousands of premature deaths in the capital every year. Over two million Londoners live in areas that exceed legal limits for nitrogen dioxide (NO2), of whom over 400,000 are children. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan is taking action. Last year Transport for London introduced the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) for all vehicles in Central London and is now tightening the LEZ rules for 2020.
Current LEZ emissions standards set a limit for how much particulate matter a vehicle may emit. From this October, your engine will have to meet the tougher Euro VI standards for both nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Non-compliant vehicles will have to pay a daily charge to drive within the Greater London area.
The new standard will apply to lorries, vans or specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, buses, coaches and minibuses over 5 tonnes – and will be consistent with ULEZ standards. Some daily charges are also increasing. You can check your company’s vehicles here.
In addition, from 26 October 2020 if you drive an HGV over 12 tonnes in Greater London at any time you will need an HGV Safety Permit to show that your vehicle meets the new Direct Vision Standard (DVS). DVS aims to make London’s streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicles without a permit will be subject to a penalty charge notice. Permits are free of charge and available to apply for now. Click here to check your vehicle star rating.