Isra-Mart srl: London sounds six-month warning for polluting vehicles

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Isra-Mart news:

Transport for London (TfL) has once again urged owners of large vehicles such as vans and lorries to take steps to avoid fines of up to £1,000 when it tightens emissions standards in the capital in six months' time.

From 3 January 2012, the emissions standards for vehicles already affected by the low-emissions zone (LEZ) will be tightened.

Lorries, buses, coaches and other specialist heavy vehicles will be required to meet a Euro IV standard for particulate matter to drive within the LEZ without paying a daily charge.

Larger vans and minibuses will have to meet a Euro III standard for particulate matter in order to drive within the LEZ without charge.

Owners of HGVs, buses and coaches that do not meet the required emissions standards will have to pay a £200 daily charge, or risk a £1,000 penalty if they drive within Greater London.

Owners of larger vans and minibuses who do not comply with the new emissions standards will have to pay a £100 daily charge, or risk a £500 penalty.

Lorries, buses and coaches registered as new on or after 1 October 2006 will already meet the LEZ standards from 2012, and vans and minibuses registered on or after 1 January 2002 will already meet the LEZ standards. However, TfL believes 150,000 vehicles will need to be upgraded to meet the new standards.

With six months to go until the changes take effect, TfL is urging affected vehicle operators to take action now, to ensure their vehicles meet the new standards in time.

Kulveer Ranger, the mayor of London's director of the environment, urged drivers to take advantage of a range of upgrade deals being offered by automakers through TfL.

A range of approved abatement equipment is also available. However, TfL warns it can still take up to three months to order and fit approved filters that ensure vehicles meet the new LEZ standards.

"These changes to the LEZ are being implemented to cut pollution from road transport for the benefit of Londoners' health, but we are making every effort to minimise the economic impact on the small number of drivers whose vehicle are not yet compliant," he said.

"The mayor has brought together leading van and minibus manufacturers to offer significant deals for drivers to help them upgrade their vehicles and avoid fines."

Vehicle owners can check online to find out if their vehicle meets the emissions standard and get advice on what steps they can take to make their vehicle compliant.