What you need to know about Low Emission Zones!
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What you need to know about Low Emission Zones!

 

You’ve probably heard about Low Emission Zones or LEZs. They're zones in cities that are trying to improve air quality by cracking down on old vehicles that spew out tonnes of nasty pollution…

 

But here's the catch: it might not be great news for you and your car. It could end up costing you some serious money, and even affect the value of your vehicle! 

We’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out why changing your car or van might be a smart move right now. That way, you can dodge the expensive consequences of the Low Emission Zones and still enjoy your urban driving plans. 

Now, let's break it down. A Low Emissions Zone, or LEZ for short, is basically an area in a city where they restrict entry or charge a fee for high-polluting vehicles. You'll typically find these zones in the city centre. The UK was one of the first countries to jump on this bandwagon, with Greater London introducing the first and largest LEZ. 

And guess what? Other cities in the UK are getting in on the action, too. Places like Brighton, Oxford, Newcastle, and Norwich have their own LEZs, and more cities are following suit.

 Here's the good news: Low Emission Zones mainly target older, high-polluting vehicles, especially ones with internal combustion engines (ICE). So, if you're in London, you don't have to worry about your car or bike. It's the vans, buses, coaches, and lorries that are affected. However, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a bit stricter and applies to all vehicles. 

So, which cars have to pay a LEZ or ULEZ charge?

 

Well, the ULEZ checklist looks at how well vehicles meet European Emission Standards. Transport for London (TFL) decides if your ride is eco-friendly enough to pass through central London without paying a ULEZ charge. Here's what they look for: 

  • Motorcycles that don't meet Euro 3 standards
  • Petrol cars, vans, and minibuses that don't meet Euro 4 standards
  • Diesel cars, vans, and minibuses that don't meet Euro 6 standards
  • Lorries, buses, coaches, and heavy vehicles that don't meet Euro 6 (Nox and PM) standards 

In contrast, the LEZ is a bit more relaxed. It only applies to:

  • Large commercial vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes
  • Minibuses
  • Vans
  • Motor caravans and ambulances 

For large commercial vehicles to be LEZ compliant, they must meet Euro 6 standards. Minibuses, vans, motor caravans, and ambulances need to comply with Euro 3 standards to roam freely in the Low Emission Zone. 

How much do LEZ or ULEZ charges currently cost? 

Well, for entering the LEZ, here's the breakdown:

  • £100 per day for vans or specialist diesel vehicles and minibuses that don't meet Euro 3 emissions standards.
  • £100 per day for HGVs, lorries, vans, buses, minibuses, and coaches weighing over 5 tonnes that don't meet Euro 6 standards but meet Euro 4 standards.
  • £300 per day for HGVs, lorries, vans, and specialist heavy vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes, as well as buses, minibuses, and coaches weighing over 5 tonnes that don't meet Euro 4 standards.

 As for entering the London ULEZ zone, here's what you're looking at:

  • £12.50 a day for most vehicles like cars, motorbikes, and vans weighing 3.5 tonnes or less.
  • £100 for heavy vehicles such as lorries over 3.5 tonnes or buses and coaches weighing more than 5 tonnes. 

How do I know if my car meets the requirements? 

You can use a handy ULEZ checker to see if your car is in the clear. Transport for London (TFL) has its own TFL ULEZ Check tool. It not only tells you how much you'll pay for things like congestion charges and safety permits but also gives you an idea of potential LEZ and ULEZ charges based on your vehicle registration. 

Is it time to get rid of your old motor? Flexxilease offer great short term leasing options so you can try out an Electric Vehicle or a LEZ-compliant vehicle to see if it’s suitable for you. Fill out our online contact form today to find out more about our vehicle leasing services.