Haulage firms and delivery companies have been given a stay of execution by Transport for London when it comes to retrofitting their fleets to meet the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) requirements set out by the government – a move that has been welcomed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

Non-compliant companies will not be penalised by Transport for London (TfL) if they miss the January 3rd deadline, as long as they can prove that they have ordered retrofit systems.

Natalie Chapman, head of policy for London at the FTA, said: "The demand for retrofit systems has inevitably risen as we have approached the new year and many commercial vehicle operators have been unable to get the correct filters fitted."

She added that TfL has listened to the industry and addressed concerns about compliance. The move will allow many firms to dodge the potentially steep fines that will be imposed on non-compliant operators in the new year.

The decision has also been welcomed by the Road Haulage Association's policy director Jack Semple.

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Posted by Helen Wrigglesworth