LEZ lifeline for lagging van owners

Van operators who missed the deadline for retrofitting their vehicles in line with Low Emission Zone engine requirements may be able to benefit from a small concession offered by Transport for London.
 
The government agency says it will not penalise non-compliant operators if they can prove that they ordered a retrofit system ahead of the 3 January deadline. “Demand has inevitably risen as we have approached the New Year and many commercial vehicle operators have been unable to get the correct filters fitted in time,” said Natalie Chapman, the FTA’s Head of Policy for London.  “To its credit, TfL has listened to the industry’s concerns.”
 
Failure to pay the £100 daily charge will trigger a £500 fine and the Freight Transport Association is advising operators of Y-registration (and some 51 plate) vans to keep out of London where possible.
 
“The penalties are such that non-compliance is not an option,” Natalie said.  “Our research shows that most large HGV fleet operators will be fully compliant.  However, for tradespeople operating vans over ten years old the LEZ will be an entirely new consideration and, therefore, preparedness will be far lower.  This is where our immediate concern lies.”
 
She added:  “The LEZ isn't going to disappear – in fact other cities around the UK are also considering similar restrictions.  While this reprieve from TfL will allay anxieties for many operators, those who haven’t yet taken steps to meet their compliance requirements should act fast to ensure they don’t end up incurring massive penalties and lagging behind the rest of the industry.”
 
The LEZ will be enforced by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras covering the whole of Greater London, from Heathrow in the west to Romford in the east as well as Enfield in the north to Biggin Hill in the south.  By cross-checking with the VOSA database, Transport for London will be able to tell if a filter has been fitted or not.