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Air Pollution
London Low Emissions Zone (LEZ)

From 4th February 2008 Transport for London is introducing a low emissions zone (LEZ), which aims to improve air quality in London. The legislation aims to reduce the amount of microscopic soot 'particulates' emitted from diesel engines by encouraging vehicle owners to phase out older, less efficient engines.

The London LEZ

The LEZ essentially covers the majority of greater London. The area includes the current Congestion Charging Zone. A map of the current area is available from the Transport for London LEZ Website.
 
Warning signs are posted on all roads approaching the LEZ and approximately every 5km within the zone.
 
Unlike the Congestion Charge the LEZ applies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Weekends and Public holidays are included.
 
Vehicles that the LEZ Applies to
The LEZ applies to HGVs, light lorries, busses, coaches, vans and minibuses. Currently it does not apply to cars. The LEZ is based on the limits for exhaust emissions and is based on the Euro standards of engine classification. These details are based on the vehicle's logbook and from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency database.
 
A summary of the dates and applicable Euro engine standards are:
  • From February 2008, a standard of Euro III for particulate matter (PM) for lorries over 12 tonnes;
  • From July 2008, a standard of Euro III for PM for lorries between 3.5 and 12 tonnes, buses and coaches;
  • From October 2010, a standard of Euro 3/III for PM for larger vans and minibuses;
  • From January 2012, a standard of Euro 4/IV for PM for lorries over 3.5 tonnes, buses and coaches.
Full details are available from TFL's Emission Standards Guidance.

If a vehicle does not meet these standards in line with the timetable, the owner/ driver must pay the £200 LEZ charge.
This guidance will be updated to reflect the changes outlined in this timetable.
 
Guidance for BBC Vehicle Managers
This guidance applies to personnel who manage BBC vehicles.
 
Fleet/ vehicle managers should conduct a review of their fleets to identify which vehicles are affected by the LEZ. Once a register is complete, fleet managers should:
  • Establish whether some vehicles might be exempt / eligible for a discount. Exempt / discounted vehicles must be registered with Transport for London.
  • Develop and implement an action plan, which takes into account the economic benefits of: replacing the engine; modifying the existing engine to the relevant standard (e.g. by adding diesel particulate filters); or paying the daily LEZ charge. Consideration should be given to the number of days the vehicle spends in the LEZ and the remaining operational life of that vehicle.

Unlike the Congestion Charge, UK registered vehicles do not need to be registered (unless exempt/ discounted). Vehicles registered overseas may need to be registered with TFL.

All vehicles regardless of their LEZ status must continue to pay the congestion charge.
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