New Launches
Show Report: CV Show 2012
What a cracking event the 2012 Commercial Vehicle Show turned out to be, thanks in no small part to Ford… Read More
Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Long-Term Test 1
We has just taken delivery of a Mitsubishi L200 4x4 Club Cab for long-term appraisal… Read More
Ford Transit ECOnetic Brief Test
We’ve been putting a SWB 100hp 2.2TDi Euro 5 Transit 280 ECOnetic through its paces… Read More
Renault Kangoo ZE 2011 European Launch
Renault is at the forefront of manufacturers offering a mass produced factory-built electric van… Read More
Fuso Canter 2011 European Launch
Fuso has completely revamped its range of light and heavy truck Canter chassis and chassis crew cabs… Read More
Iveco Daily 2011 European Launch
Iveco has introduced new, latest generation diesels to its Daily range, along with detail changes inside and out… Read More
Ford Transit 2011 European Launch
Ford takes the iconic Transit to the next stage with an all-new range of 2.2-litre Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Volkswagen Crafter 2011 UK Launch
VW’s large panel van has undergone a serious makeover with changes to the front-end styling and the cab interior, as well as new Euro 5 diesels… Read More
Ford Transit Connect Electric Brief Test
We spent a day with the battery-powered Connect to get a better idea of what it’s like to live with in its natural, urban environment. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL Brief Test
Currently undergoing trials with selected fleet customers in the UK, we managed to get behind the wheel of a battery-powered Vito E-CELL… Read More
Low Emission Zone changes kick-in
As of today all light commercials older than 10 years (pre-Euro 3) with a kerb weight greater than 1,205kg are no longer welcome in London; unless the operator pays a £100 daily charge. Failure to comply results in a £400/day fine. In essence the changes to the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) encompass all vans — bar those that are car-derived — pick-ups, 4x4 utility vehicles and minibuses with more than eight seats. Full details of which vehicles fall foul of the new emissions remit can be found here.The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is advising operators of Y-registration — and some 51 plate — vans to keep out of London to avoid costly charges and fines.
“The penalties are such that non-compliance is simply not an option,” said Natalie Chapman, the FTA's head of policy for London. “Research by FTA shows that fortunately, most large HGV fleet operators are fully compliant with, or prepared for, the move up from Euro 3 to Euro 4 standard engines. However, for tradespeople operating vans over 10 years old the LEZ is an entirely new consideration and, therefore, preparedness is far lower. This is where our immediate concern lies.
“For many small businesses and sole traders, 2011 has been all about keeping afloat and the new LEZ changes may catch them out. We are advising those with non-compliant vans to stay out of London, but this may prove impossible for London-based van operators.”
