Motorists 'confused' by low emission zone

Hundreds of motorists flooded helplines today after being baffled by signs promoting London's new low emission zone.

The AA said many drivers confronted by the signs on the M25 and major approach roads wanted to know whether they were allowed to drive into the capital.

The motoring organisation said callers did not know the scheme was aimed only at drivers of large diesel trucks. From today, drivers of HGVs that do not meet the latest emission standards must pay £200 to enter the capital - or face £1,000 fines.

"Most motorists don't have a clue what the signs mean," said Edmund King, the AA's president. "We have received hundreds of calls and people are asking 'does it affect my 4x4' and 'do we have to pay a toll?' Some may be worried to venture past the M25 as they don't know what the LEZ is.

"Many seem to think it is linked to the Mayor's plans to tax 4x4s. To help motorists, we have information on our website."

Other questions fielded by the AA's helpline included "does it mean beware of smog", "is it okay for asthma sufferers to enter?", "if there is congestion is it a high emission zone" and "does the wind affect it?"

A Transport for London spokesman said: "We have been publicising the scheme heavily since June last year and the priority has been to target those affected - operators with trucks. But we have stressed all along that cars and motorcycles will not be affected."

Ken Livingstone said the scheme meant the 2012 Olympics in London would not face the same pollution problems that are threatening the Beijing Olympics this summer. He said the number of people at serious risk of pollution in the capital would fall from 10 per cent now to one per cent by the end of the decade.

The Mayor defended his decision to make hauliers buy cleaner trucks or spend £3,000-£4,000 to have exhaust filters fitted. "It is better that the cost should be borne by the haulier than someone sees their life snuffed out earlier that it should be because they suffer from asthma," he said.

Q&A

* Why is there a low emission zone?

To improve air quality. TfL says London has the worst air pollution in Britain, with about 1,000 accelerated deaths in 2005. Road traffic is said to be responsible for 66 per cent of PM10 particulates and 38 per cent of nitrogen oxides in London.

Who is affected?

HGVs exceeding 12 tonnes - including motor homes and horse boxes - whose particulate emissions are below Euro III standards. On 7 July it will apply to HGVs over 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches with nine or more seats over five tonnes. In 2010 it will hit buses with nine or more seats below five tonnes, and larger vans. In 2012 the Euro III standard will be raised to Euro IV for HGVs and buses. HGVs bought new in Europe since October 2001 comply with Euro III; those bought after October 2006 comply with Euro IV.

How much will it cost to run?

£57 million to set up, £11 million a year to run. TfL expects £30 million to £50 million in levies and fines by 2015/16. TfL says it is "not intended to be revenue raising".

How much will it improve air quality?

Using Government figures, researchers for TfL estimated that over 10 years the LEZ would extend lives by a total of 5,200 years. TfL admits it will have little impact on carbon dioxide emissions.

How will lorries be monitored?

By a network of static and mobile cameras that read number plates.

Are there any exemptions?

Military vehicles, vehicles made before 1973 and non-road going vehicles. Custom built fairground vehicles will get a 100 per cent discount if registered with TfL.