London’s Low Emission Zone – even effects Black Cabs

Transport For London (tfl) introduced the latest regulations on 3rd January 2012.

Briefly – ‘If you want to drive a lorry, bus, coach or other specialist heavy diesel vehicle in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) without paying a daily charge, it needs to meet certain emissions standards.’

From 3 January 2012, these vehicles need to meet the Euro IV standard for particulate matter (PM), whether your vehicle is used for commercial or for private purposes.

Black cabs manufactured 15 years ago are among the vehicles that could face up to £100 fines each day in London’s new Low Emission Zone (LEZ), it has been revealed.

Taxis, large vans and minibuses that are more than ten years old will be fined under new regulations to cut emissions in the capital city if they fail to meet new pollution limits, BBC News reports.

From January 3rd, tougher restrictions under LEZ rules will be in line with European Union standards on pollution and could mean bans on vehicles that were produced before low emission technologies were introduced.

Additionally, a ‘no idling’ campaign will also be launched later this month to encourage drivers to switch off their engines when they are at a standstill.

Regulations for taxis means that ten per cent of the total fleet in the city could be banned, or face the fines.

The LEZ operates in all areas of central and Greater London, along the of the M1 and M4 motorways and also at Heathrow Airport

To find out if your vehicle is effected click here