LEZ 'a serious issue' for some tradespeople

Date: 28/12/2011

Some tradespeople will have to give some serious consideration to what they will do when the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is introduced.

This is according to Head of Policy for London at the Freight Transport Association Natalie Chapman, who explained many firms will operate vans that are over ten years old.

Therefore, they are unlikely to comply with the low-carbon regulations that will permit them to travel within certain areas of the capital without paying.

Ms Chapman claimed the introduction of the LEZ will "almost certainly bring serious consideration to renewing old vehicles for operators keen to avoid a heavy fine."

However, she also noted many fleet operators with heavy goods vehicles are already fully compliant with the move to Euro IV.

This is because logistics is a "can do sector," the expert claimed.

The LEZ covers the majority of Greater London and although it was originally introduced in 2008, from January 3rd 2012 emissions standards will become more stringent, meaning a greater number of vehicles will be affected.

Posted by Nick Anderson