Fleet industry body the BVRLA has welcomed news that an ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) will be introduced in London in 2020.

As a result, drivers of older diesel and petrol vehicles will need to pay a ULEZ charge on top of the congestion charge to travel in central London from September, 2020. Petrol and diesel vehicles will need to meet the Euro 4 petrol or Euro 6 diesel standards respectively to be exempt from the ULEZ charge.

Transport for London (TfL) says the daily charge for non-compliant vehicles will be £12.50 for cars and vans, and £100 for HGVs. Failure to pay the charge will result in a £165 fine for car drivers, which falls to £130 if paid within a fortnight. The penalty for HGVs is £1,000, falling to £500 if paid within 14 days.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney (pictured) said: “The London Ultra Low Emission Zone is an essential part of the Mayor’s plan for tackling the Capital’s air quality problems and it is unlikely to be the last such scheme introduced across the UK. We continue to call for the government to provide a framework for such zones so that they can be introduced in a standardised way in other cities.

“Motorists have sensibly been given five years to prepare for the ULEZ. Car clubs, daily rental companies and leasing providers will be there to provide businesses and consumers with compliant vehicles, whether they live in London, visit it regularly or just make the occasional trip.”