London Low Emission Zone

Planning to visit London by motorhome in 2008? - you need to read this!

The London Low Emission Zone commences 4 February 2008

This is our interpretation of how it will affect motorhomes - please refer to the Transport for London website for full information on the LEZ.

What is it?
The aim of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is to improve air quality in London by deterring the most polluting vehicles from being driven in the area. The vehicles affected are older diesel-engined lorries, buses, coaches, large vans, minibuses and other heavy vehicles that are derived from lorries and vans such as motor caravans and motorised horse boxes.

There will be a phased introduction of the scheme from 4 February 2008 through to January 2012. Different vehicles will be affected over time and increasingly tougher emissions standards will apply. Cars, motorcycles and small vans are not included in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

Where is it?
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) covers most of Greater London following the Greater London Authority boundary. In some places the LEZ deviates from the Greater London Authority boundary in order to allow for suitable alternative routes and turnaround points.

All roads, including certain motorways within the LEZ boundary are included within the Zone. The M25 motorway is not included in the LEZ even where it passes within the boundary.

What vehicles are affected?

The LEZ applies only to diesel engined vehicles, and vehicles constructed before 1st January 1973 are exempt.

The emissions standards for the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) are based on Euro standards. These are European standards which define the limits for exhaust emissions for new vehicles sold in European Union (EU) member states, and which vehicles must comply with when manufactured.

The table below summarises the effect of the LEZ on motorhomes.

What are the standards?
Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes first registered as new on or after 1 October 2001 are assumed to be Euro III, so will meet the LEZ emissions standards until January 2012.

From January 2012 the required emissions standards are raised to Euro IV. All Euro IV vehicles will meet the LEZ standard.
Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes first registered as new on or after 1 October 2006 are assumed to be Euro IV and so will meet the emissions standards.

Motorhomes between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes registered as new on or after 1 January 2002 are assumed to be Euro III, so will meet the LEZ emissions standards.

We assume that motorhomes with a GVW of 2.5 tonnes or less will be unaffected by the LEZ.

Vehicles not meeting the emissions standards could be made to do so by modifying them to meet the Euro standard for particulate matter.
Vehicles not meeting the emissions standards would need to pay a daily charge if used within the LEZ.

What are the charges?
For motorhomes which do not meet the emissions standards required for the vehicle on the day of entry into the LEZ: £200 per day for motorhomes over 12 tonnes and £100 per day for motorhomes over 2.5 tonnes.

How do I pay?
Payment can be made by cheque or using a debit or credit card. The easiest way to pay will be online. You will also be able to phone or write to the contact centre. Next-day payments can be made online or by phone.
Further information on ways to pay will be provided nearer to October 2007.

What if I don't pay?
If you drive an affected vehicle in the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) that does not meet the required emissions standards, is not exempt or entitled to a 100% discount and you do not pay the daily charge, you may be liable for a penalty charge. This will be issued to the registered keeper of the vehicle.

* Motorhome over 12 tonnes: £1000 penalty charge per day. This will be reduced to £500 if paid within 14 calendar days, but increased to £1500 if not paid within 28 calendar days.
* Motorhomes over 2.5 tonnes: £500 penalty charge per day. This will be reduced to £250 if paid within 14 calendar days, but increased to £750 if not paid within 28 calendar days.
* A penalty charge may be issued if the charge has not been paid by midnight on the next working day after the day of travel, or if an incorrect Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) or day of travel was supplied when the charge was paid.

What if I am a visitor from abroad?
If your vehicle is affected by the LEZ, and it is not registered in Great Britain you will need to register your vehicle with TfL even if your vehicle’s emissions standards meet the LEZ emissions standards. Vehicles registered in Northern Ireland will also need to be registered with TfL.