Options for Vehicles which do not meet the new Standards

Options for Vehicles which do not meet the new Standards

There are options available if your vehicle does not meet the new emission standards coming into play in 2012. Some options can take quite a while to come into play, so take action as quickly as possible.

Approved Filters

Through fitting an approved filter it maybe possible to reduce your vehicle's emissions to meet the new LEZ standard. The fitting and certification of the filter takes three months to complete, so the sooner you get started the better.

Choosing a Filter

If you select a filter which is not on the list on the LEZ website, then your vehicle will not earn certification and you will have to pay charges from next year. A list of approved suppliers can be found at tft.gov.uk/lezlondon.

Certification

There are two organisations which can issue certification to a vehicle which has been fitted with an approved filter: The Vehicle and Operator Service Agency (VOSA) or an Authorised Examiner (AE). If an AE inspects and approves the filter he or she will then notify VOSA that the vehicle meets the new LEZ standards. Note: AEs are only eligible to issue certification in the year the filter is fitted. Following years must be carried out by a VOSA testing station.

Once certification has been issued VOSA will issue either a LEC or RPC certificate depending on the type of vehicle you have. They will then notify Transport for London that your vehicle meets the new LEZ standard. It may however take ten days before the database is updated, so charges may still apply until your vehicle details are on the database.

Find your nearest test centre: Call VOSA 0300 123 9000

AEs are contactable via the approved filter supplier.

Change Your Vehicle

A way to avoid the LEZ charge is to change your vehicle for one that meets the new standards.

Fleet Reorganisation

If you are a fleet operator, through rerouting vehicles that meet the new standards into the capital and ones that do not away from it is one way to get round the charge.

Convert Your Vehicle to Gas

Through converting your vehicle to operate on pure gas, and this has been certified by VOSA and registered with the DVLA, you will avoid paying the charge.

Biodiesel vehicles do not meet LEZ standards and will have to pay the charge.

Pay Charges

Vehicles which do not meet the LEZ standards will pay daily charges to drive within the zone. Transport for London would prefer vehicles were modified or replaced rather than pay the charge.