More than 80% of vans on the road today will not be compliant in the London ultra-low emission zone when it begins operating in April next year.

The figure, calculated by Cox Automotive, was presented at an event co-hosted by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and Transport for London (TfL) to explore the impact of the ULEZ on van users.

The ULEZ will operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week within the current congestion charge area.

The new regulations will charge any vehicle not meeting the following emissions standards:
• Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
• Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro VI for lorries, buses and coaches and other specialist heavy vehicles

Toby Poston, director of communications and external relations at the BVRLA, said: “TfL has an enormous task ahead of them to support the hundreds of small businesses who essentially rely on vans but will be caught out by the new Ultra-Low Emission Zone in a few months’ time.

“BVRLA members stand ready to help offer affected businesses affordable, compliant alternatives both through the provision of suitable hire, lease and car club van options as well as via their significant contribution to the second-hand market.

“Our members offer some of the greenest vehicles on the road, with over half of rental vans already being compliant (56%) and nearly all car club vans meeting the standards (96%).

“The BVRLA will continue to work proactively with TfL to hone its communication plans and promote all of these possible solutions ahead of the roll out of the ULEZ next April.”

James Ingram, principal city planner, TfL, said: “One of the key challenges for us is building awareness amongst Londoners before the introduction of the ULEZ.

“We recognise some of challenges that small businesses face in order to upgrade their fleet in time.

“That is why we have joined forces with the BVRLA to give smaller businesses as much support as we can to be ready, not just for the introduction of ULEZ, but for the long-term future as London moves towards becoming a zero-carbon city by 2050.”

More than 50 representatives from government, business, fleet management and used vehicle suppliers attended the event.

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