05-09-07 VOSA issue first Low Emissions Certificates
5 Sept 2007
NEWS RELEASE
VOSA issue first Low Emissions Certificates
Kevin Crawford, Director of Mullany's Coaches was one of the first operators to receive a Low Emissions Certificate (LEC). The test took place at VOSA’s Goods Vehicle Test Station in Yeading on 3 September. The certificate was presented to Mr Crawford by Alastair Peoples, VOSA's Testing and Inspections Director.
Kevin Crawford said:
“Although my vehicles will only be affected by the London Low Emission Zone (LLEZ) in July 2008, I am very keen to act early and ensure that they are fully compliant with the LLEZ Scheme next year. As soon as VOSA announced that they were taking bookings for low emissions tests, I booked in immediately and I am delighted to be one of the first operators whose vehicles have been issued with a Low Emissions Certificate.”
VOSA started to carry out low-emission inspections after taking bookings from 20 August.
Low Emissions Certificates are now issued out by all VOSA Test Stations and Designated Premises nationwide. Low emissions tests can be booked via the nearest local VOSA Test Station or the VOSA Enquiry Unit at 0870 60 60 440. Further details on the Low Emissions Certificates and how to book a tests with VOSA are available at Reduced Pollution Certificates and Low Emissions Certificates
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Notes to editor
The Low Emissions Certificate (LEC) has been developed by VOSA, TfL and the Department for Transport specifically for the London Low Emission Zone. The fee for a low emissions test is £28, though it can also be carried out at the same time as an annual vehicle test at the reduced price of £17. Additional arrangements can be made with local test stations to carry out inspections outside of VOSA’s core working hours or at appropriate designated premises where a supplement will be charged for these services.
The LLEZ scheme is being implemented in different phases. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes will be required to meet the Euro III standard for Particulate Matter from February 2008, while from July 2008 buses, coaches and HGVs greater than 3.5 tonnes will also need to comply.
The status of a vehicle can be checked by contacting the TfL call centre on 0845 607 0009 or by viewing the vehicle compliance checker at www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon .
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: 06/09/2007