Retail surgery: What are the key changes to the London Low Emission Zone next year?

Boris Johnson’s plans -which come into force on January 3, 2012 - will affect mainly retailers which have small delivery vans that drive into central London, so they need to take note if they are to avoid hefty fines.

The current system already requires lorries to meet certain criteria, but now ‘larger vans’ will also have to meet emissions standards for the first time.

Owners of such vehicles will only be allowed to drive within the capital’s Low Emission Zone free of charge if they meet what is called a ‘Euro 3 standard for particulate matter’ - essentially a required emissions standard. Otherwise they will need to pay a £100 daily charge. Fail to pay and it becomes a £500 penalty charge. If your business’ vehicles are affected, you do not necessarily have to buy new vehicles, however. You can choose to fit approved filters on the vans that will make it less polluting and therefore escape the charge.

Transport for London (TfL) estimates that around 72,000 vehicles will be affected (the changes also include minibuses and other specialist vehicles such as horseboxes), and says it is working hard with owners of such vehicles to prepare for the changes. TfL acting director of congestion charging and traffic enforcement Nick Fairholme says: “Owners and operators of some larger vans will have almost a year to take action to ensure they meet the new standards.”

To find out whether your vehicles are affected, visit tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon.