Low Emision Zone
What is the LEZ?
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was introduced in 2008 to encourage the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles driving in the Capital to become cleaner. The LEZ covers most of Greater London. To drive within it without paying a daily charge these vehicles must meet certain emissions standards that limit the amount of particulate matter (a type of pollution) coming from their exhausts.
Despite significant improvements in recent years, London's air pollution is still a concern.
So much so, that from 3 January 2012 the LEZ emissions standards will become more stringent. More vehicles will be affected, and those that are already affected will need to meet tighter emissions standards.
Where does it operate?
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) covers most of Greater London.
When does it operate?
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including weekends and public and Bank Holidays.
Charging days run from midnight to midnight. So if you were to enter the LEZ in a vehicle that doesn't meet the required emissions standards at 11:30pm and exit at 1.00am the next day, you'd need to pay for two days.
Vehicles parked in the zone but not driving are not subject to the LEZ requirements for that day.
Remember, the LEZ isn't the same as the central London Congestion Charging zone. The Congestion Charge applies 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday-Friday, excluding public and Bank Holidays. If you drive within the Congestion Charging zone during these times you will have to pay the Congestion Charge, even if you meet the LEZ emissions standards or have paid the LEZ daily charge.
How does it work?
There are no barriers or tollbooths within the Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Instead, cameras will read your number plate as you drive within the LEZ and check it against our database of registered vehicles.
This database is compiled using information from The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), the Vehicle Operator Services Agency (VOSA), the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and drivers and operators who have registered directly with us.
This tells us automatically whether your vehicle meets the LEZ emissions standards, is exempt, is registered for a discount or if you've already paid the daily charge.
Which Vehicles are Effected?
Lorries, buses & coaches and heavy specialist vehicles
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.
At the moment, these vehicle types need to meet the Euro III standard for particulate matter (PM).
However, from 3 January 2012, these standards are changing to Euro IV for PM, so even if your vehicle meets the current standards, you may need to take action soon to meet the new standards in time.
It doesn't matter whether your vehicle is used for commercial or private purposes - it will still need to meet the standards.
The age and weight of a vehicle indicate the level of particulate matter (PM) it produces.
The table below shows those diesel vehicles which don't meet the current LEZ emissions standards, and which will not meet the standards from 3 January 2012. If you own any of the vehicles listed, you will need to take action before driving within the LEZ, or pay a daily charge.
| Vehicle type | Weight | Does not meet the current standards (Euro III for PM) | Will not meet the new standards from 3 January 2012 (Euro IV for PM) |
|
- Lorries - And other specialist vehicles |
More than 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight | Vehicles registered as new before 1 October 2001 |
Vehicles registered as new before 1 October 2006 |
| - Buses - Coaches (with more than 8 passenger seats) |
More than 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight | Vehicles registered as new before 1 October 2001 |
Vehicles registered as new before 1 October 2006 |
What emissions standards will my vehicle need to meet?
The LEZ emissions standards are based on Euro standards for the emission of particulate matter (PM). PM is very fine particles of soot emitted by vehicles, which have an effect on health. This type of pollution can contribute to asthma, heart and lung disease, other respiratory illnesses and even early death.
The standards now (2011)
At the moment, vehicles need to meet the Euro III standard for PM. Vehicles registered as new on or after 1 October 2001 are assumed to meet this standard.
The new standards from 3 January 2012
From 3 January 2012, vehicles need to meet the Euro IV standard for PM. Vehicles registered as new on or after 1 October 2006 are assumed to meet these standards.
How do I know if my vehicle meets the standards?
The quickest way to check if your vehicle meets the current or new standards is to enter your registration plate details into our vehicle checker
