Volvo operators to gain free entry to London LEZ

Volvo Trucks is pleased to announce that the company has once again proved its green credentials when it really matters with a large range of its vehicles qualifying for potential exemption from the £200 entry fee for the first phase of London’s new Low Emission Zone (LEZ), due to come into effect on 4th February 2008.

The first phase involves all LGV’s over 12 tonnes, which must meet Euro 3 emission levels by the deadline. The good news is that all Volvo engines supplied to the UK market since 1993, including all the 12-litre Euro 1 and Euro 2 D12A to D12C power units fitted to the first FH and FM trucks, all the D16’s fitted to the first generation FH16’s and also the D6A fitted to the FL6, meet or exceed the Euro 3 emission levels required for entering the capital.

The only caveat issued by Volvo in the UK is that individual compliance is subject to annual inspection and - in the case of Euro 1 and Euro 2 engines - meeting the requirements of a tougher smoke test compared to the annual smoke test – nominally 0.8m-1 or higher.

Volvo Trucks’ Sales Director Ian Mitchell gave his reaction. “It’s a real testimonial to Volvo’s environmental pedigree and is down to the company’s continual, world-wide focus, over many years, on caring for the environment and working to lower whole-life operating costs. Hard-pressed operators wondering if their trucks will achieve the London Low Emission Zone compliance requirements in order to gain a Low Emission Certificate, will be delighted to learn that even older Volvo engines will meet the stringent LEZ criteria.”

He added, “Once again, we’re saving our customers money and giving them time to implement a fleet renewal strategy before the tougher, proposed Stage 2 LEZ requirements for entry into the Olympic site construction area. Distribution companies should also be thinking along those lines for future changes in restrictions which are being proposed by TfL. If these are implemented, they will force operators to use only Euro 5 compliant trucks in the LEZ.”