The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was introduced in 2008 to encourage the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles in London to become more environmentally friendly in an attempt to improve air quality and reduce C02 emissions.
With Penalty charges of £500-£1000 for non-compliance (dependant on payment within 14days), the LEZ is certainly not to be ignored!
With this in mind, when booking your vehicles for hire, please make it clear whether or not you will be entering the LEZ as we will make sure you are provided a vehicle that meets the LEZ emission requirements.
When hiring vehicles for use in and around London it is important to note The LEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including weekends and public and Bank Holidays. Furthermore all roads within Greater London, those at Heathrow and parts of the M1 and M4 are included. However, the M25 is not included (even where it passes within the GLA boundary). Look out for signs at the boundary and side of the road to see where it applies.
To check if your site is within the LEZ , please follow the below link
https://lowemissionzone.tfl.gov.uk/b/pb/provideDetails.faces?referrer=lez&&intcmp=16336
Remember the LEZ isn’t the same as the central London Congestion Charge zone, even the newest commercial vehicles with the lowest emissions are still liable to pay the Congestion Charge. The Congestion Charge applies 07:00-18:00 Monday to Friday, excluding public and Bank Holidays. If you drive within the charging zone during these times you will have to pay the Congestion Charge, even if you meet the LEZ emissions standards and have paid the LEZ daily charge.
Information extracted from the TFL website, correct as of 23/02/15.