Fume charges loom for HGVs (From Times Series)

Fume charges loom for HGVs

9:14pm Wednesday 23rd January 2008

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Lorry drivers have two weeks to meet new emissions standards or face a daily £200 charge when they enter London's Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

The restrictions, which come into force on February 4, will initially affect diesel-engined lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes, which will be forced to meet strict emissions standards or face the daily charge.

Restrictions on other heavy vehicles will be phased in gradually, with all lorries, buses, vans and minibuses expected to meet the standards by 2012.

However, cars and motorcycles will not be included in the scheme.

Lorries which do not meet the standard will either have to be modified with filters or have new engines fitted in order to avoid the charge.

Environmentalists in Barnet have welcomed the initiative, but say it should go further in tackling major polluters.

Andrew Newby, Barnet Green Party speaker on climate change, said: "It is particularly important in Barnet, which has one of the highest CO2 emissions of any UK borough.

"Barnet has higher traffic levels than some other areas in London. The proposed penalties on fumes from buses and lorries should also apply to cars, especially in the light of the high proportion of 4x4-type vehicles in Barnet borough."

A survey by Rightmove last year showed more 4x4 cars were sold in Barnet over the past five years, than any other London borough.

The LEZ aims to reduce harmful emissions from the most polluting vehicles and takes in most of Greater London.

A spokesman for Transport for London said the capital had the worst air pollution in the UK, and among the worst in Europe. A poll found that 72 per cent of Lond-oners are worried about exhaust fume pollution.

But Jack Semple, director of policy for the Road Haulage Association, believes the zone will have a limited impact.

He said: "We have been opposed to the introduction of the low emissions zone, because we are not going to get much benefit from it.

"We are all for cleaner air but the low emissions zone will make no difference and will be hugely expensive for truck operators and rate payers in London and businesses in the city."

Barnet councillor Matthew Offord, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "Of course we hope it is successful in reducing air pollution in Barnet and across London.

"We also hope it is introduced smoothly and have had discussions with TfL to minimise any negative impact on Barnet's roads."

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