Transport for London (TfL) is urging the owners and operators of the estimated 150,000 vehicles affected by new emissions standards in January 2012 to take action now to avoid fines.

From 3 January 2012 vehicles that are already affected by the LEZ - HGVs, buses and coaches - will have to meet a Euro IV standard for particulate matter (PM) to drive within Greater London without paying a £200 daily charge.

Also from this date, larger vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles will have to meet LEZ standards for the first time. These vehicles will have to meet a Euro 3 emissions standard for particulate matter (PM) in order to drive within Greater London without paying a £100 daily charge.

Whilst most vehicles set to be affected by the scheme are already compliant, for the minority that are not, the Mayor Boris Johnson, recently announced he has secured significant discounts off a range of new vans and minibuses in an unprecedented package of financial deals.

Eighty per cent of vehicles affected by the LEZ for the first time in 2012 are vans and offers from manufacturers in some cases amount to thousands of pounds off a new vehicle.

Larger vans and minibuses were originally due to be included in the LEZ from 4 October 2010, however, the Mayor took the decision, following public consultation, to defer the introduction in tough economic times to give the owners and operators of the estimated 70,000 non-compliant vehicles, many of which are smaller businesses and charities, more time to make the necessary changes.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor's environment director, said: “The Mayor is taking robust steps to deliver cleaner air and improve Londoners' health. Changes to the Low Emission Zone in January are a key part of these plans.

“The vast majority of vehicles set to be affected by these new standards are already compliant. However, a small minority of drivers still need to take action to avoid fines. There is a range of options available to vehicle owners and as part of this, the Mayor has agreed deals with a number of vehicle manufacturers for discounts off new vehicles.

“However, some options to make vehicles compliant, such as fitting an approved filter, can take up to three months to complete, so I urge those who are affected to take action as soon as possible.”