What do CAZ, LEZ, ULEZ mean?
A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) are areas in towns and cities that have restrictions on the use of vehicles in order to address issues with emissions and air pollution. In the UK, an LEZ will charge for driving high polluting vehicles within the Zone whereas a CAZ doesn’t necessarily have to. The terminology varies slightly across Europe, so research what the exact requirements are if you do find yourself driving in a different country.
On 8 April 2019, London introduced the world’s first Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ). It operates within the same London locations as the Congestion Charge. Vehicles should meet the ULEZ emissions requirements or pay a daily charge to drive within the zone. The congestion charge is only payable at certain times of day (peak traffic hours); however it is important to note that the ULEZ is active 24/7 and therefore it must be paid if your vehicle does not meet the required ULEZ standards.
How much does the ULEZ charge?
- £12.50 for most vehicle types (inc. motorbikes, cars and vans up to and including 3.5 tonnes)
- £100 for heavier vehicles (inc. lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses/coaches over 5 tonnes)
Check whether your vehicle is ULEZ compliant
Why does air pollution matter?
How can Excalibre Tech help? How can I comply with the ULEZ and Clean Air Zones
Excalibre Techn are the UK partner for Proventia Oy, a world leading developer and manufacturer of retrofit and OE emission control systems. Proventia‘s NOxBUSTER® City is a TfL and CVRAS approved retrofit system which enables Euro 4 or 5 buses and trucks to meet Euro 6 standards, thus ensuring compliance with the ULEZ and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) across the UK.
1,200 NOxBUSTER® City systems have been installed across all major London bus operators.
Upgrade your fleet, or individual vehicles, to meet Euro 6 standards by contacting us on 01594 887414 or sales@excalibretech.com for a no obligation quote, or to arrange a booking.
Installation and Maintenance
In addition to our offices in Gloucestershire, we have a workshop and office based in Rainham, Essex. Our team of technicians are experts in installing and maintaining the systems.
Once installed, we provide a comprehensive service and maintenance program to ensure the system continues to run as efficiently as possible – this includes DPF cleaning (see below).
What exactly are Diesel particulate filters (DPF)?
Diesel particulate filters (DPF) were first introduced in diesel cars, buses or trucks some 20 years ago. Unlike a catalytic converter which is a flow-through device, a DPF captures more exhaust gas particles by forcing the gas to flow through the filter which helps to reduce emissions. Over time soot and ash can collect on the DPF which effects its operation. If it is not maintained correctly there could be serious consequences (and costs) for your vehicle.
Firstly, it is advised that drivers regularly give their diesel vehicle a good 30 to 50 minute run at sustained speed on a motorway or A-road to burn off and help clear the filter. However, not all drivers can do this type of driving regularly – this is particularly a challenge with buses and commercial trucks as they naturally do short stop-start journeys.
Therefore this trapped soot needs to be cleared periodically through DPF cleaning in order to regenerate the DPF.
How DPF cleaning maintains your diesel vehicle and saves you money?
Last year, the UK made changes to its MOT test requirements. This included the need for a properly fitted and working DPF. Driving without a DPF could see drivers hit with a £1000 fine.
When the DPF becomes clogged with soot – the vehicle’s efficiency is effected and it can result in the complete failure of the system. Diesel particulate filters are very expensive. A new one from a car manufacturer can cost £1,000 and £3,500, wiping out the cost savings associated with driving a diesel.
By utilising our services we can ensure your DPF system will run smoothly, save you money, will be better for the environment and help you maintain the requirements set by Clean Air Zones and the Ultra Low Emissions Zone.