Transport for London announces LEZ 28 day grace for older trucks

Transport for London (TfL) has announced 28 days grace from the £200/day charge for older trucks entering the London Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

The LEZ comes into force on 4 February and covers most of the area within the M25. Owners of trucks and buses over 12t fitted with pre-Euro 3 engines will have to pay the charge, unless their vehicles have been retrofitted with diesel particulate filters (DPF).

However high demand means many truck operators who have ordered DPFs will not have them delivered and fitted in time for the start of the scheme.

TfL has therefore agreed that owners of non-compliant vehicles entering the LEZ will be sent a warning letter rather than immediately being charged. If the vehicle re-enters the LEZ after 28 days without having a DPF retrofitted, the £200 penalty will be levied but there will be further relaxation from that point.  

John Varcoe from the Construction Plant-hire Association said members with concrete pumps and similar equipment are facing supply difficulties while those with road sweepers are finding there is no space available to fit the filters. “TfL are being very helpful and responsive but I can see there being problems with road sweepers and similar equipment,” said Varcoe.