October 2010

We were disappointed to learn, that following consultation, Phase 3 of the LEZ will be brought into affect from 3 January 2012, and not after the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as suggested in our consultation response, and supported by other business and transport groups.

You can find out more about Phase 3 of the LEZ and whether or not it will affect any of your vehicles on the TfL website.

February 2009

The Mayor announced suspension of Phase 3 of LEZ - extending the scheme to Light Goods Vehicles and minibuses in 2010. This was welcomed by the FSB - we had called for it not to be introduced in 2010.
 

June 2008

The scheme was extended to cover 3.5+ tonne vehicles and coaches.
 

February 4, 2008

THE LOW EMISSION SCHEME WENT LIVE. Many businesses paid a heavy financial cost for a scheme which TfL admit will only reduce transport-related emissions by 0.03%.
 

January 2008

The FSB welcomed the decision by TfL to allow a period of grace for non-compliant vehicles entering the Low Emision Zone. This followed an FSB survey which showed, as the FSB had predicted, that many operators were still unaware of the scheme or had not been able to get their vehicles retro-fitted.
 

December 19, 2007

With only two months before the introduction of the LEZ, the FSB is still very concerned that many operators are not aware of the scheme or are having problems getting their vehicles retro-fitted to make them LEZ compliant.

August 1, 2007

The FSB has called on Transport for London to increase its campaign to inform businesses of the introduction of the Low Emissions Zone. With only six months until the scheme goes live, the LPU keps learing of businesses which did not know of the LEZ.

 

May 9, 2007

MAYOR GIVES GO AHEAD TO LOW EMISSION ZONE - Because of the significant financial burdens which TfL's proposal would place on the small business community both in London and throughout the UK, we are unable to support the current LEZ proposal.

FSB submission to TfL

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has announced he plans to press ahead with his proposed Low Emission Zone, despite opposition from business groups and concern about the additional costs it will involve for many involved with road transport. A manifesto commitment, the scheme will start in February 2008 - giving vehicle owners only ten months to ensure their vehicles comply with the emissions limit or replace them with those that do.
 
What does it mean?

TfL is setting emissions standards for diesel vehicles entering or driving in Greater London. Failure to comply with the standards would result in a daily charge of £200, with failure to pay incurring a penalty of £1000 for each offense.
 

So does this affect my vehicle?

Although it is not an exact guide, the table gives an indication of the vehicle emission classification according to the date of the vehicle's first registrations. This guide is only indicative and is not a definitive statement of classification.

TfL says that there are four options:

• Have your vehicle's engine converted to meet the required standard (this might cost perhaps £2000 per vehicle)
• Upgrade your fleet and get a newer vehicle which is compliant
• Don't use the vehicle in the Greater London area
• Pay the daily charge if you come into the LEZ zone

How will this affect my business?

An FSB survey of our members suggested that it would have a serious financial impact on many businesses, particularly those using light goods vehicles. We lobbied TfL to increase the lead-in period for the scheme, arguing that, for small businesses, their vehicles were a major item of capital expenditure and a period of advance planning was required.

While TfL agreed to undertake an impact assessment to see how business might be affected, it was not undertaken until after the Mayor had agreed to the principle of the Low Emission Zone. We regard this as indicative of a lack of concern about small businesses and the impact of the scheme.
 
So when will it start?

For diesel vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes - February 2008

For diesel vehicles between 3.5 tonnes and 12 tonnes - July 2008

For diesel vehicels between 1.205 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes and minibuses - 3 Jan 2012

Where can I get further information?

For the most uptodate information, go to the dedicated LEZ area of the TfL Website.

You can also call the LEZ helpline: 0845 607 0009

Further contact details can be found here.

How does the Low Emission Zone affect you? Has the cost has a detrimental affect on your business? Has it made you more environmentally aware?  We are always looking for feedback and case studies so please contact Hannah Holdroyd London Development Manager, if you would like to discuss this issue.