Low Emission Zones in Europe
Will your motoring holiday be affected?
More than 70 cities and towns in 8 countries around Europe already have in place, or are preparing to launch, 'Low Emission Zones' (LEZ) - areas where the most polluting vehicles are regulated in some way. Vehicles may be banned or in some cases charged if they enter the LEZ when their emissions are over a set level.
If you're planning a motoring holiday in Europe in your own car it's important to know where these Low Emission Zones are, what kinds of vehicle are affected? What emissions standards are required? And whether registration is required or not.
Currently most of these zones affect only vans and lorries but some, including those in Germany and Italy, affect passenger cars too.
Low Emission Zones are also known as Environment Zones;
- Umweltzonen (Germany),
- Milieuzones (Netherlands),
- Lavutslippssone (Norway) ,
- Miljozone (Denmark),
- Miljözon (Sweden).
For detailed information
www.lowemissionzones.eu is a new publicly funded, regularly updated website (in English), run on behalf of a network of LEZ cities and government departments across Europe to provide all the information drivers and operators will need.
Besides Maps showing the location of all Low emission zones and detailed requirements on a city-by-city basis Low Emission Zones in Europe also contains background information about the reasons for implementing Low Emission Zones.
Our Touring Tips for Germany now include information about how owners of foreign registered vehicles can obtain the required windscreen sticker or 'plakette' prior to travel.
London Low Emission Zone
London's Low Emission Zone begins operation on 4 February 2008 and initially affects only diesel-engined lorries over 12 tonnes.
Read more information and advice about the London LEZ
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28 January 2008