IT’S not just London that has its LEZ – that’s a Low Emission Zone – designed to improve air quality.
Belgium’s capital Brussels is introducing an LEZ with effect from January 01, 2018. In order to enter this zone, all European vehicle owners must first be registered in the municipal database – drivers of older, more polluting vehicles will be excluded.
As many SME business drivers in the UK often travel to Brussels, it’s worth noting prior to travelling that the LEZ will be in place. However, as non-nationals, registration is not required until summer 2018, says the Belgian authorities.
The LEZ covers an area of 161 square km bordered on the west and the north by the international E-road E19, on the east by the international E-road E40 and on the south by the municipality Watermael-Boitsfort.
The restrictions of the Brussels LEZ do not apply to the international E-road E19 and E40. Also excluded are four Park&Ride parking areas, located on the boundary of the environmental zone.
The Brussels LEZ is permanent, operating 24 hours a day each and every day. The current restrictions apply to heavier goods vehicles, and very old diesels, but from 2019 they become applicable to more modern passenger cars.
From 2019 only diesel vehicles meeting Euro 3-6 emission standards and petrol vehicles with Euro emission standards 2-6 will be admitted. In 2022 and 2025 there will be further restrictions.
Fines for breaking the LEZ range between 150-350 Euros. SME business drivers can keep track of the differing European emission zones by downloading the Green Zones app.
London operates an LEZ for HGVs that covers the majority of Greater London. In addtiion, there is also a new T-Charge for entering central London. Both petrol and diesel cars must meet Euro 4 emission standards in the Congestion Charge zone.
The T-Charge is a precursor to the introduction of an Ultra Low Emission Zone in addition to the Congestion Charge. This will introduced from April 2019. It is part of the London Mayor’s push to clean up the air quality of the capital city.
Read more about the T-Charge
Click here to read London emission curbs are accelerated with T-Charge
