This is the first time that light CVs have been subjected to LEZ regulations. While owners of affected vehicles that enter the LEZ on a regular basis are expected to have taken action to avoid the £100 per day charge, occasional visitors operating non-compliant vehicles – mostly those registered before 1 January 2002 – are expected to rent compliant models to avoid paying the penalty charge. 

‘People that travel into London on a regular basis will already have plans to replace older vehicles or fit them with particulate filters,’ said John Lewis, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.

‘It might not make economic sense for them to buy a new vehicle or spend thousands of pounds on fitting a filter because of one or two trips to London, but they could hire a modern, Low Emission Zone-compliant van or truck for a fraction of the cost of paying the LEZ fee,’ he added.

Transport for London has launched a nationwide advertising campaign to bring the new regulations to the attention of occasional visitors who could be affected. As Van Fleet World Confidential has reported before, vehicles affected include heavy vans, motor caravans, pickup trucks and 4×4 commercial vehicles including a range of Land Rover commercial models, as well as minibuses with more than eight passenger seats of up to 5,000kg gross vehicle weight.

Comprehensive information on affected vehicles can be found HERE. Information includes an online vehicle checker allowing visitors to enter vehicle details by vehicle type or registration number.