Important notice: All details are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change. For the latest, up to date information on the LEZ scheme please visit the TfL website
What is the LEZ charge zone?
The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is an area of Greater London in which driving heavily polluting diesel-powered commercial vehicles attracts a fee.
Vehicles that do not meet certain strict emissions standards are charged, while other vehicles can enter the area without cost.
The London Low Emission zone (LEZ) was set up to encourage owners of the most polluting vehicles to either buy cleaner replacements; to modify their vehicles so they are less polluting; or to use alternative forms of transport.
iStock.com/georgeclerk
The impact of polluted air on health
London's poor air quality has a direct impact on its residents' health. Lung disease and asthma are exacerbated by tiny particulates in the air. Much of this pollution comes from road vehicles. In 2007 Transport for London (TfL) estimated that each year there were 1,000 premature deaths and 1,000 hospital emissions because of poor air quality in the capital.
The LEZ scheme began in 2008 with particular emissions standards, which were further tightened in 2012.
What area does the LEZ charge zone cover?
All roads within Greater London, those at Heathrow and parts of the M1 and M4 are included within the LEZ charge zone. However, the M25 is not included (even where it passes within the Greater London Authority boundary).
Distinctive green and white signs mark the boundaries of the LEZ, which covers London's 33 boroughs.
Who has to pay LEZ charge? - Affected vehicles
HGVs, lorries, vans, buses/minibuses, coaches and specialist heavy vehicles
Lorries, vans or specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) and buses, minibuses or coaches over 5 tonnes GVW must meet a minimum emission standard of Euro 6. If they do not meet this standard LEZ will be payable.
Examples of specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW for which the LEZ charge would apply, if they do not meet the minimum standard include:
- Motor caravans
- Motorised horseboxes
- Breakdown and recovery vehicles
- Snow ploughs
- Gritters
- Refuse collection vehicles
- Road sweepers
- Concrete mixers
- Fire engines
- Tippers
- Other specialist heavy vehicles
Vans, minibuses and specialist diesel vehicles
Van or specialist diesel vehicles from 1.205 tonnes unladen weight up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight and minibuses up to 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight must meet a minimum emission standard of Euro 3, else will be subject to the Low Emission Zone charge.
Examples of specialist diesel vehicle types up to and including 3.5 tonnes GVW for which the LEZ charge would apply if they do not meet the Euro 3 emissions standard include:
- Motorised horseboxes
- 4x4 light utility vehicles
- Pick-ups
- Breakdown and recovery vehicles
- Dual-purpose vehicles
- Other specialist diesel vehicles
From 2.5 up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weigh, the LEZ charge would apply to vehicles if they do not meet the Euro 3 standard:
- Motor caravans
- Ambulances
- Motorised hearses
Exempt vehicles
Some vehicle types are exempt from the LEZ:
- Cars and motorcycles
- Certain vehicles primarily designed for off-road use, such as construction machinery, agricultural vehicles and mowers.
- Ministry of Defence vehicles
- "Historic vehicles built before 1 January 1973"
LEZ charging days
The charging day for the LEZ runs from midnight to midnight, so anyone driving a designated vehicle from, for example, 11pm to 1am will need to pay for two days.
How is the LEZ enforced?
The LEZ is enforced using the same automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology used for the London Congestion Charge. Hundreds of ANPR CCTV cameras are located across London. The data they collect is accessed by the DVLA, which compares number-plates to its vehicle database. It can therefore immediately detect any liable vehicle that has not paid the LEZ fee. This enables TfL to pursue unpaid LEZ fees.
Do parked vehicles get charged LEZ?
Any LEZ-liable vehicle parked in the LEZ but not driven will not attract a fee.
LEZ charge zone cost: How much is the LEZ charge?
LEZ charges are dependant on the vehicle that is being driven.
LEZ charges for vehicles are based on the category type and weight of the vehicle and are payable as follows:
- £100 for vans or specialist diesel vehicles (over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) or minibuses (up to 5 tonnes) which do not meet Euro 3 standards.
- £100 for HGVs, lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes as well as buses/minibuses and coaches over 5 tonnes which do not meet Euro VI (NOx and PM) standards, but meet Euro IV (PM)
- £300 for HGVs, lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes as well as buses/minibuses and coaches over 5 tonnes which do not meet Euro IV (PM)
You can use the tool created by Tfl, using your vehicle registration to check if your vehicle meets emissions and safety standards required to drive in London, or if you need to pay a daily charge.
Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for non-payment of LEZ charges
The penalty payment (Penalty Charge Notice) for failing to pay the LEZ charges will be either £500, £1000 or £2000, depending on the vehicle's weight/type.
There is a 50% reduction if the fee is paid within 14 days of issue.
Congestion Charge
The LEZ should not be confused with the London Congestion Charge.
The Congestion Charge must be paid for most motor vehicles driven in the London Congestion Charge Zone between 7am and 6pm on weekdays and 12pm to 6pm at weekends, except Christmas Day (25 December) and the period after that, up to and including New Year's Day Bank Holiday.
Residents' discounts, which see those living within the London Low Emission Zone pay just 10 per cent of the charge.
Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
Similarly, the LEZ should not be confused with the ULEZ, or ultra-low emission zone.
The ULEZ charge applies to vehicles that do not meet certain emissions standards, including relevant cars, vans and motorcycles.
