Avoiding the London LEZ (Low Emission Zone)
Now that London’s Low Emission Zone has gone live, Head of the Low Emission Zone at Transport for London, takes time to detail the aims of the scheme and how it can improve air quality for both the City and the UK.
As of the 4th of February this year, operators of vehicles which do not meet the required emissions standards are faced with either a charge of £200 or a fine of up to £1000 per day.
Ways to avoid the LEZ charge, include operating vehicles with low emissions, like those which rely on SCR / AdBlue technology. Electric vehicles are also exempt.
The zone, which encompasses over 1500 square kilometres of central London, targets the most polluting of vehicles, which are typically lorries, buses and coaches more than a few years old. It’s primary objective is to improve London’s air quality and assist the cities progress towards meeting both national and European air quality objectives.
London has the worst air quality in the UK, and this new scheme hopes to reduce that and set the standard for others to follow. Until recently the London zone was amongst the worst in Europe for air quality and pollution.