From this date, around 72,000 larger vans and minibuses will have to meet Low Emission Zone standards for the first time to help tackle pollution in the capital. 

Owners of larger vans and minibuses from the Greater London area who do not meet the required emissions standards by this date, will have to pay a £100 daily charge or risk a £500 penalty.

Whilst most vehicles affected driving in London will already meet these new standards, the Mayor and Transport for London say that they are encouraging others to take action now in order to avoid fines.

According to the London Evening Standard, the Mayor has negotiated discounts of up to £3,500 on the price of new vans and minibuses to help get drivers to swop over to greener vehicles.

The publication quoted the Mayor as saying: 'About 4,200 people a year die because of the air quality in London. It's one of the biggest causes of death in the city.'