Low Emission Zones (LEZs)

Across Europe, more than 70 cities and towns have introduced or are preparing local emissions regulations intended to improve air quality. According to European Commission estimates, air pollution causes more than 300,000 deaths every year in Europe – a number higher than that attributed to auto accidents.

The regulations target older, polluting vehicles, restricting them from entering specified geographic areas referred to as Low Emission Zones (LEZs).

Owners and operators of affected vehicles have a number of options available to them to achieve LEZ compliance, including:

• Purchasing a newer vehicle
• Retrofitting an older vehicle with a newer engine
• Reorganizing a fleet so that only new vehicles that meet the required emissions standards drive within the LEZs
• Paying a daily charge for entering an LEZ without a window sticker demonstrating compliance. (The cost of the daily charges are rising steadily, with Greater London, for example, preparing to begin levying a £200 a day fee for certain vehicles beginning January 2012.)

Start Technologies Europe I.G.’s Retrofit Solution for LEZ Compliance

Equipping buses, trucks and other diesel powered vehicles with an accredited aftermarket emission-reduction solution is a low cost, sensible approach to complying with LEZ regulations. With a retrofit approach, fleet owners can keep older vehicles operating longer, and save their investment dollars for more important projects.

Independent research has demonstrated that Start from Start Technologies Europe I.G. significantly lowers vehicle emissions. Start specifically reduces the fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and other toxins targeted by LEZ regulations.

Start Technologies Europe I.G. has initiated the process of acquiring LEZ accreditation for its Start from the government of Italy. Italian LEZ certification will open the door to expanded certification and product sales across Europe.

Start Technologies Europe I.G. is proud to offer a solution that could contribute significantly to reducing pollution and improving health in Europe and around the world.

A Vast Opportunity for Product Sales

Millions of vehicles throughout Europe are currently non-compliant with LEZ regulations or will be as more stringent regulations are introduced. Start Technologies Europe I.G. is focused on providing this large market with its Start technology to help drivers meet legislated emission standards.

How Are Vehicle Emissions Classified?

Euro Standards are the main way of classifying vehicle emissions. In many countries, this information is provided on the vehicle registration papers. Some countries, such as the UK, Netherlands and Italy, enable online checking of vehicle emissions standards.

In other cases, the age of the vehicle will indicate what Euro Standard it is. Otherwise, the vehicle’s age and type can be used to determine its Euro Standard.

A vehicle’s Euro Standard classification may have changed since it left the factory, if the engine has been replaced with a newer engine, if the vehicle has been fitted with a particulate trap, or if it was converted to an alternative fuel. In the event this kind of change has occurred, you will need to know the specifics to determine the vehicle’s new Euro Standard.

Vising the Euro Standard page at LowEmissionZones.eu, a website funded in part by the EU, will provide you with more information on Euro Standards and the emissions standards of specific vehicles.

Example LEZ – The London Low Emission Zone

London, one of the leading cities of Europe, introduced its Low Emission Zone program in 2008. Beginning on January 3, 2012, the city will raise its required emissions standards to Euro 4 for PM (particulate matter) for trucks over 3.5 tons and buses and coaches with more than eight seats over 5 tons.

The tougher regulations will affect all vehicles that operate inside the London LEZ and means that all Euro 1, 2 and 3 emissions trucks over 3.5 tons and buses and coaches over 5 tons registered before October 1, 2006 will have to be upgraded.

The following chart applies to the London LEZ. Across Europe, the various LEZs focus on different vehicles and have different implementation schedules, depending on the local regulations.

London LEZ Implementation Schedule and Emission Standards