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TfL offers breathing space on LEZ and DVS to some operators
There are now just weeks remaining until new standards come into force in the London-wide Low Emission Zone (LEZ), which covers most of the area inside the M25 motorway and the implementation of the Direct Vision Standard.
From 1 March 2021, HGVs over 3.5 tonnes will need to meet Euro VI emissions standards or pay a daily charge to drive within the LEZ. This brings the LEZ into line with the Ultra Low Emission Standard currently operating in Central London. On the same date, Transport for London will begin enforcement of its Direct Vision Standard requiring all goods vehicles over 12 tonnes to have an HGV Safety Permit.
However, Transport for London has announced a three-month grace period for operators that are retrofitting emissions-reduction equipment to meet the new standards of the LEZ but are unable to have the work carried out by 1 March.
To be eligible, vehicles must have a confirmed booking with a CVRAS-approved fitter for a CVRAS-approved retrofit solution. These operators will not have to pay the LEZ daily charge during this three-month grace period, which starts from the date TfL is notified of the booking by the retrofit manufacturer. After this period, if the vehicle has not been retrofitted, it will return to its non-compliant status.
Also on 1 March Transport for London will begin enforcement of its Direct Vision Standard requiring all goods vehicles over 12 tonnes to have an HGV Safety Permit. TfL has agreed to allow operators to self-certify their zero-rated vehicles for DVS, following calls from Logistics UK. This is to speed up the permit application process by removing the need to obtain a star rating from the vehicle manufacturer. TfL has confirmed that if you are applying for a single vehicle that TfL does not hold details for, and you know the vehicle has a star rating of zero, you can still submit an HGV Safety Permit application.
Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK’s Head of Urban Policy, said: “While we welcome these late concessions by TfL, the grace period for the Low Emission Zone is likely to be of limited benefit for HGV operators as there are fewer retrofit systems on the CVRAS than for buses or coaches. However, the ability for operators to self-certify their zero-rated vehicles for the Direct Vision Standard will benefit a number of operators that work within the capital and is to be applauded.”
*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns/urban-logistics
Published On: 11/02/2021 17:00:14
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