02-10-07 LLEZ - How to Avoid a 200 Pound Fine
The London Low Emission Zone (LLEZ) will come into operation from 4 February 2008, and if you own a Euro I or II HGV vehicle, regardless of age, you will need either an RPC (Reduced Pollution Certificate) or LEC (Low Emissions Certificate) to avoid the £200 daily charge or a £1,000 fine.
VOSA strongly advises those operators whose vehicles will be affected in February 2008 - and who have either had a certified abatement device fitted to their vehicle or a Euro I or II engine that is referenced on Transport for London’s (TfL) LEC Eligible Engines list - to book their Low Emissions or Reduced Pollution test with VOSA as soon as possible.
TfL will automatically be advised by VOSA if a vehicle has passed. Please note that this process can take 10 days, so it is advisable that operators ensure their vehicles are inspected in good time to be ready for 4 February 2008.
Operators can book their tests on the national number, 0870 60 60 440, or by calling their Local HGVTS. TfL’s LEC/RPC approved devices list and LEC Eligible Engines list can be viewed at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon.
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NOTES TO EDITOR:
Operators presenting vehicles for inspection need to ensure the following:
1. Their vehicle has had a certified abatement device fitted from TfL's LEC/RPC Approved Devices list, or has a vehicle with an engine that is on TfL's LEC eligible engines list;
2. The person that is presenting the vehicle for inspection is competent and equipped to tilt the cab and
3. Can remove engine access panels safely and is able to re-instate according to manufacturer's instructions
A Low Emissions and Reduced Pollution Test consists of a physical inspection of the vehicle and a smoke opacity test. The vehicle must pass both elements in order for a LEC or RPC to be issued.
VOSA has booked more than 800 Low Emissions tests since the 3 September and has issued in excess of 400 LECs, and LEC bookings continuing to increase.
VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) is responsible for:
• Processing applications for licences to operate lorries and buses and registering bus services
• Operating and administering testing schemes for all vehicles, including the supervision of the
MOT testing scheme
• Enforcing the law on vehicles to ensure that they comply with legal standards and regulations
• Enforcing drivers' hours and licensing requirements
• Supporting Traffic Commissioners to help them make informed decisions on operator
licensing, vocational drivers and bus registration requirements
• Providing training and advice for commercial operators
• Investigating vehicle accidents, defects and recalls.
For media enquiries about VOSA, please contact: Zita Easton on 0117 954 2561 or Henry Norman on 0117 954 3208. You can also e-mail press@vosa.gov.uk
Page last updated: 03/10/2007