Operators of some pre-Euro 6 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters that enter London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) will be subject to the same daily fee as full-sized coaches and lorries.
Minibuses with more than eight passenger seats and a GVW of not exceeding 5,000kg that do not meet Euro 6 will be charged £12.50 per day to enter the ULEZ.
However, those with a GVW of more than 5,000kg – such as some Sprinters – will pay substantially more, at £100 per day.
The increase in the penalty charge – applicable when the daily fee is not paid – is equally severe, at £130 and £1,000 respectively. In both cases it will be halved if settled within 14 days.
The scale of the difference in the charges for what is essentially the same type of vehicle has drawn comment from John Houghton, of Acton-based John Houghton Luxury Mini Coaches.
He points out that non-ULEZ compliant Sprinters with a GVW of 5,500kg could see their used values severely hit thanks to the Transport for London (TfL) charging scheme.
Once established on 8 April 2019, the ULEZ will encompass the same area as the congestion charging zone at it will operate 24/7. Euro 6 is required of all diesel vehicles if a charge is to be avoided.
TfL failed to respond to a miniplus enquiry.
