Drivers to be affected within days by three new driving laws set to be launched in March

The two updates are both focused on vehicle emissions and those with heavily polluting petrol and diesel models may face extra chargesA new rule regarding Heavy Goods Vehicles also comes into effect which is likely to affect many businesses.

London Low Emissions Zone

Tougher Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) standards come into force from 1 March 2021.

This means heavy vehicles such as lorries, buses, coaches and some vans will need to meet Euro 6 standards or will face a daily charge.

These charges will vary based on vehicle type with those who do meet Euro 4 or Euro 5 emissions set to pay a daily rate of £100.

However, Heavy Goods Vehicles that do not even meet Euro 4 standards will face a daily charge of up to £300, a massive charge for many.

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The new permits are completely free but vehicles which do not have a permit will be subject to a penalty charge notice.

Fines will be up to £550 but could be reduced to £275 if the charge is paid within 14 days.

TfL said: “The Direct Vision Standard measures how much an HGV driver can see directly through their cab windows.

“This indicates the level of risk to vulnerable road users, such as people walking and cycling, near the vehicle.

Bath and North East Somerset Council has confirmed private cars and motorbikes will not be charged under the new scheme.

However, taxis, private hire vehicles and minibuses which do not meet the new guidelines will be charged up to £9 per day.

Exemptions are available for some hard to replace vehicles or those which support health and emergency services.

However, the council warns any local exemptions only apply in Bath’s Clean Air Zone and cannot be used in any other area. 

source: express.co.uk