The London Low Emission Zone was originally introduced in 2008 with the objective of encouraging some of the most polluting vehicles to become cleaner, thus improving the air quality within the Greater London area.  The zone works by demanding that some older vehicles within the UK and European fleet must be upgraded to meet a certain emission standard, if not upgraded, these vehicles must pay a daily entrance charge should they continue to operate within the Low Emission Zone.

From the 3^rd January 2012, Transport for London (TfL) will implement Phases 3 & 4 of the London Low Emission Zone.  This means that the emission limits required for vehicles entering the Greater London area will be significantly reduced.  By tightening the rules in this way TfL hope to further improve air quality, specifically by targeting one of the most dangerous emissions from internal combustion engines known as particulate matter, or more simply - soot.

The Low Emission Zone legislation will impact on vehicle operators in that they will need to make some decisions relating to the future of their vehicle fleets or operating practises.  Typically, the following options are available:

1.       Don’t operate the vehicle within the Low Emission Zone.

2.       Pay the daily charge.

3.       Purchase a compliant Euro 4 vehicle.

4.       Fit the existing vehicle with certified abatement equipment.

The new minimum standard will be the Euro 4 particulate emission target, which at 0.02g/kW hr is significantly lower than the previous Euro 3 standard which stands at 0.1g/kW hr.  The new limit will apply to Buses, Coaches, Trucks, Vans, Minibuses, Horseboxes, Campervans and some 4x4’s.  Should vehicle operators decide to opt for emission control equipment, they will need to fit a ‘full-flow’ Diesel Particulate Filter to their vehicle, typically in place of the standard silencer.  This type of technology is capable of removing in excess of 90% of the particulate matter emitted by the diesel engine.  Vehicle operators should only purchase equipment from TfL certified companies, a list of these companies can be found on the Transport for London website.

For further information please contact

Baumot UK Ltd.
Wyastone Business Park, Wyastone Leys
Monmouthshire, NP25 3SR
Tel. +44 (0)1600 89 26 93
Fax +44 (0)1600 89 15 02
Mail info@baumot.co.uk

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