THE time limit when large vans and minibuses have to comply with traffic pollution regulations in London’s Low Emission’ zone has been pushed back 14 months. It means a breather’ for owners to clean up’ their act

By Mike Brooke

THE time limit when large vans and minibuses have to comply with traffic pollution regulations in London's 'Low Emission' zone has been pushed back 14 months.

It means a 'breather' for vehicle owners to 'clean up' their act during the recession which has hit many fleet operators.

The oldest, most polluting larger vans, minibuses and other vehicles now have to meet the Euro III standard to go through the zone without charge from January 3, 2012, instead of October 4 this year.

The proposed date change will give additional time for owners and operators of an estimated 70,000 'non compliant' vehicles that use the Zone each year to make sure they meet emission standards.

Transport for London's traffic enforcement chief, Graeme Craig, said: "The proposed deferral affecting larger vans and minibuses to 2012 allows more time for owners and operators to prepare for this change in what has been a challenging economic climate."

Public consultations begin today by Transport for London which run until June 28.

The Low emission Zone is the largest scheme of its kind in the world, covering nearly all of Greater London.

It was launched in February, 2008, to improve London's air quality by targeting the most polluting diesel-engine vehicles, initially lorries over 12 tonnes, extended later that year to include lorries over 3.5 tonnes, buses and coaches.