A scheme has been launched to improve London's air quality by forcing vehicles that pump out the worst pollution off the roads. (Sky News Monday 4th February 2007)Other cities across the country are watching to see whether Mayor Ken Livingstone's latest pay-as-you-drive scheme, called the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), is a success.
Anyone driving through the capital in an older truck or lorry - at any time of the day or night, every day of the year - must now either ensure their vehicle meets specific emissions standards, or stump up £200 a day.
Initially, the LEZ applies to diesel-engine lorries weighing more than 12 tonnes, but soon other types of vehicles will be included.
From July, it will also cover all lorries exceeding 3.5 tonnes and buses and coaches, and by October 2010 large vans, minibuses and caravans will also have to upgrade, or pay.
