Many PCVs still recorded as ‘unknown’, says LowCVP, and are at risk of charge even if they are compliant
Operators of vehicles that will be subject to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) have been urged to check that their Euro rating has been marked on the V5 registration document to avoid them being incorrectly charged after 8 April.
Data from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership shows that a significant number of PCVs’ Euro rating is unknown by the authorities, leaving those vehicles liable to trigger a daily charge of £200.
If the vehicle is Euro 6 compliant the charge can be contested and annulled, but the onus is on the operator to do so, says Transport for London (TfL) Principal Analyst – Environment Adam Moody.
The level of ULEZ compliance among coaches will be lower than TfL anticipated when initial modelling was carried out. That will see a higher number of charges payable by the industry than originally anticipated.
Speaking at last week’s launch of the LowCVP Coach Interest Group, Mr Moody adds that TfL will engage a European debt collection agency to pursue foreign-registered vehicles that do not meet ULEZ standards and which fail to pay the daily charge.
He also confirmed that the scope of being able to pay the charge is open-ended, and that no date has been set by when reaching the mandated Euro level will be the only option.
Mr Moody adds that plans are already being formulated for the stage beyond the ULEZ. It will see small zero-emission zones (ZEZs) in place on some roads and corridors. Where is not yet known, but it is expected that the first ZEZ will come into force in 2025.
