VOSA begins taking bookings for LLEZ certificates

From Monday 20 August, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) will begin accepting advance bookings for Low Emissions Certificate (LEC) tests. Inspections will then become available from all Heavy Goods Vehicle Test Stations (HGVTS) from 3 September.

The fee for a low emissions test is £28, though it can also be carried out at the same time as an annual vehicle test at the reduced price of £17. Additional arrangements can be made with local HGVTSs to carry out inspections outside of VOSA’s core working hours or at appropriate designated premises where a supplement will be charged for these services. Low emissions tests can be booked via the nearest local HGVTS or the VOSA Enquiry Unit at 0870 60 60 440.

The LEC Scheme is a new service which has been developed specifically for the London Low Emission Zone (LLEZ), which is being implemented in phases. Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) over 12 tonnes will be required to meet the Euro III standard for Particulate Matter (PM) from February 2008, while from July 2008 buses, coaches and HGVs greater than 3.5 tonnes will also need to comply.

Vehicles that meet the LLEZ emissions standards and hold a valid LEC or Reduced Pollution Certificate (RPC) will not be subject to the daily charge when driving within the LLEZ. VOSA will automatically advise TfL if a vehicle has passed or failed the low emissions or reduced pollution test.

The status of a vehicle can be checked by contacting the TfL call centre on 0845 607 0009, or by viewing the vehicle compliance checker at tfl.gov.uk/lezlondon.