With six weeks to go until the introduction of the second phase of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), Transport for London (TfL) is urging lorry, bus and coach operators who drive within the capital to take action now to ensure they are ready.

From July 7, lorries over 3.5 tonnes, and buses and coaches over 5t with nine or more seats, will be required to meet strict emissions standards if they wish to continue to drive within Greater London without paying a daily charge.

The LEZ, which aims to improve air quality in London, commenced on February 4, 2008, and already applies to lorries over 12t. It is the first scheme of its type in the UK, and the largest LEZ in the world.

The zone aims to cut harmful emissions from the most polluting lorries, coaches and buses. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, and covers most of Greater London.

Operators of vehicles that do not meet the required Euro III emissions standards for particulate matter will need to take action to comply with the scheme, for example by fitting pollution abatement equipment, or pay a £200 daily charge to drive within Greater London. If this charge is not paid and the vehicle does not meet the required standards, owners risk a penalty charge of £1,000.

Vehicles registered as new on or after October 1, 2001, when the Euro III standard became mandatory for new heavy vehicles, are assumed to already meet the emissions standards of the zone. Owners of older vehicles have a number of options to ensure that their vehicles comply with the requirements of the LEZ, including fitting pollution abatement equipment, converting them to an approved alternative fuel such as compressed natural gas, re-organising their fleet or purchasing a newer compliant vehicle.

Nick Fairholme, head of the London LEZ, said: “Many operators affected by phase two have already taken action to ensure that they comply with the emissions standards of the zone.

“We would urge operators and owners of the remaining non-compliant vehicles to take appropriate action now if they wish to avoid having to pay the daily charge or incur penalty charges.

“Because the aim of the LEZ is to improve London’s air quality, TfL would much prefer operators of non-compliant vehicles to meet the emissions standards rather than pay a daily charge."

To check whether a vehicle meets the LEZ standards, log on to www.tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon or call 0845 607 0009.