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London Schools will be affected by changes to Low Emission Zone in 2012
7 November 2011
From 3 January 2012, anyone who owns a minibus with more than 8 passenger seats, a gross vehicle weight of 5 tonnes or less, and registered before 1 January 2002 will have to pay a daily charge for driving their vehicle in London. This means for the first time, schools in London and those driving minibuses in London will be affected by the new legislation.
The rules surrounding the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which covers most of greater London, are becoming tougher in an attempt to reduce air pollution in the city. Larger vans, minibuses and specialist diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 3 emissions standard for particulate matter (PM) to be driven within the LEZ.
Schools wishing to avoid charges must replace any minibuses registered before 1 January 2002. Alternatively, schools can reorganise their fleets so only vehicles meeting the emissions standards are driven within the Low Emission Zone, or they can fit an approved filter to the exhaust of their existing vehicles. More information about these options can be found here. Vehicles registered after this date will be exempt from charges.
Is your school up-to-date on current legislation and the forthcoming changes? The Transport for London website contains more information about the LEZ, including who will be affected, available options and rates. You can enter your postcode to find out if your school falls within the Low Emission Zone, and enter your registration number to see if the vehicles you operate are affected by the changes.
If you have any queries regarding the new Low Emission Zone and how it might affect your school please feel free to get in touch by calling 01869 253744. Alternatively you can email us at: enquiries@castleminibus.co.uk.