The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

Cleaner Air for Greater London

London has the worst air pollution of any city in the UK, and road traffic is the biggest source of that pollution. That’s why on 4th February 2008 the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was introduced by Transport for London. As a specified area covering most of Greater London, it aims to deter the most polluting diesel-engined vehicles from driving in the city. The M25 motorway is not included, even when it passes within the boundaries of the zone.

View the affected areas

From 4 February 2008

Certain vehicles operating in the LEZ will have to meet specific emissions standards.

There are several options for owners of vehicles which currently do not meet the required emissions standards;

purchasing a newer vehicle
paying a daily charge
Modifying your vehicle by fitting approved abatement equipment and have it inspected by VOSA
Owners of vehicles with Euro II or I engines can first check the Transport for London’s Eligible Engines list and then arrange to have the vehicle inspected by VOSA

Which vehicles are affected?

The LEZ is aimed at older, diesel-engined lorries, buses, coaches, large vans, and minibuses with different vehicles being affected at different times and the required emissions standards becoming more stringent over time.

Cars, motorcycles and small vans are unaffected.

Vehicle type and definitions	Date affected	Required emissions standards

Heavier lorries. Diesel-engined vehicles exceeding 12 tonnes	February 2008 Euro III January 2012 Euro IV	All Euro III vehicles meet the LEZ standard. Vehicles registered as new from 1 October 2001 are assumed to be Euro III, so will meet the LEZ emissions standards.

Lighter lorries. Diesel-engined vehicles between 3.5 and 12 tonnes	July 2008 Euro III January 2012 Euro IV	All Euro III vehicles meet the LEZ standard. Vehicles registered as new from 1 October 2001 are assumed to be Euro III, so will meet the LEZ emissions standards.
Buses and coaches. Diesel-engined passenger vehicles with more than eight seats, exceeding 5 tonnes	July 2008 Euro III January 2012 Euro IV

Large vans. Diesel-engined vehicles between 1.205 and 3.5 tonnes	October 2010 Euro III	All Euro III vehicles meet the LEZ standard. Vehicles registered as new from 1 January 2002 are assumed to be Euro III, so will meet the LEZ emissions standards.
Minibuses. Diesel-engined passenger vehicles with more than eight seats, below 5 tonnes	October 2010 Euro III