As the Government continues to work on improving air quality across the UK, local councils and cities are implementing low emission zones, clean air zones and zero emission zones to help reduce the amount of air pollution generated by vehicles. Despite the many benefits this will provide, the introduction of these zones poses a fresh set of challenges for commercial vehicle operators to overcome.
With this in mind, we have created a FREE guide with everything you need to know about these low emission zones and how Dawsongroup vans can help support your fleet in overcoming these new challenges.
What are Low Emission Zones?
A low emission zone is a scheme within an area identified by the Government to reduce the number of high-polluting vehicles operating within that area. The scheme aims to achieve this by creating minimum emissions standards that vehicles need to achieve to operate within these zones, without incurring a charge. If your vehicle does not meet these standards, you can still currently operate within these low emission zones, but there is usually a charge.
What are the Different Types of Low Emission Zones?
As the need to tackle the current air pollution problem increases, it is no shock that low emission zones are becoming increasingly popular across the UK and Europe. There are a few variations of low emission zones, with the most popular types being Clean Air Zones, an Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) that operates in central London and even a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in Oxford.
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which is currently in operation within London, was introduced in 2019 to discourage drivers in high-polluting vehicles operating within inner-city London by applying a daily charge to vehicles that did not meet the required emission standards. The ULEZ is set to be expanded from 29th August 2023 to include all London Boroughs, following the initial success in reducing CO2 levels within London.
A Clean Air Zone is an area within a city where the local authority has brought in measures to improve the air quality. The key difference with a CAZ is that there are both charging and non-charging zones currently in place.
Finally, a Zero Emission Zone, which is currently only operational in Oxford, is an area where only zero emission vehicles (such as fully electric vans) can operate without incurring a daily charge.
How Do Low Emission Zones Impact Your Fleet of Vans?
Within Clean Air Zones and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, LCVs all have specific thresholds to meet in order to be compliant within these areas. In the majority of these zones, the required standards for vans are either minimum Euro 4 petrol vans or Euro 6 diesel vans. If your van does not meet these requirements, each vehicle will be charged up to £12.50 per day to operate within these areas.
Therefore, not meeting the required emissions standards for these areas could have a big financial impact on your business. With rising operational costs already causing many problems for LCV fleets, having to also pay CAZ, LEZ and ULEZ charges consistently could be the straw to break the camel’s back.
In addition to this, with the ever-increasing adoption of electric vehicles and government strategies to reduce our emissions, fleet managers will need to start futureproofing their fleet to meet the current clean-air requirements, whilst also navigating a road to zero emissions in the very near future.
How Can Dawsongroup Support Your Business in Becoming Low Emission Zone Compliant?
Dawsongroup vans has a wide range of cost-effective, tailored rental solutions to allow your fleet to become CAZ, LEZ and ULEZ compliant. We have an extensive selection of high-quality Euro 6, hybrid and fully electric vehicles available, ready for you to add to your fleet on a rental agreement which meets your specific needs. Our team of experts can work alongside you to create the most cost-effective and efficient solution for you to meet the required standards now, whilst also giving you full flexibility and scalability to manage any future changes – without impacting your bottom line.
If you would like to futureproof your fleet with the latest, most environmentally friendly vehicles, without having the pressure of having to own a depreciating asset, please get in touch today!
