What is ULEZ and Why Do I need to Know about it?
What is ULEZ and Why Do I need to Know about it?
The abbreviation stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone, but what does that mean? Any petrol car that doesn’t meet the Euro 4 emissions laws (typically anything pre-2005) and any diesel vehicle that doesn’t meet Euro 6 emission laws will be charged £12.50 each day that vehicle passes through a low emission zone.
In the Van world you are most likely going to need to know wether your vehicle is Euro 6 compliant, to clarify it must have been registered on or after 1 September 2015 or the model must have been approved on or after 1 September 2014.
If you do pass through one of these zones in a non compliant vehicle and fail to pay the charge, the penalty subsequently rises to £80 which must be paid within 2 weeks, or it is then doubled to £160.
However, for those who are regularly in low emission zones, there is the option to set up automatic payments; setting up an automatic payment entitles you to a £1 discount taking your charge down to £11.50 per day.
Many people including ourselves agree that the introduction of more and more low emission zones are inevitable due to the environmental benefits.
Understanding ULEZ compliant Vehicles
In order to be compliant with Euro 6 laws, engines must adhere to rigorous standards, so that vehicles are more fuel and economy efficient. Benefiting wildlife and pedestrians as engines are emitting fewer emissions into the environment and so fewer chemicals are in the air.
Understanding Euro 6 engines:
There are 3 methods that have been developed to ensure new vans are able to meet Euro 6 emissions standards.
1. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) which reduces NOx emissions by recirculating a percentage of the engines exhaust gas back into the engine’s cylinders.
2. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) commonly found in smaller vans, it works by capturing soot particles in the exhaust gas which are automatically burnt under high temperatures periodically to regenerate the filter and maintain exhaust gas emissions.
3. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) which is used in most medium and large vans, including pick-ups. SCR utilises a solution called AdBlue (also referred to as diesel exhaust fluid). This helps to convert nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and water.
Euro 6 engines are also a much more cost-effective way of driving. For many van drivers, it is a given that miles start to rack up; and this is where you’re going to be saving money. Although the initial cost to fill the tank up will be more expensive than a petrol vehicle you will be saving in the long run inline with the principle of economies of scale. Not to mention the money being saved by eliminating low emission zone charges.
It is clear how important creating a greener future is and it is great to see how the commercial vehicle world is becoming more in tune with that. If you would like to see if your vehicle is ULEZ compliant please click here.
At Braintree Van Sales we offer a wide range of ULEZ compliant vehicles, find out more and discover our stock today.