Your source of information about Low Emission Zones and how they affect you when you drive in Europe. There are many Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in 10 European countries. Low Emission Zones are areas where vehicle access is limited by its emissions.
This website, www.lowemissionzones.eu, gives all the information you need to drive in LEZs in Europe. The information is available within 1-2 clicks from the homepage, either via the frontpage map or side and top menus.
To navigate the site, click on the map; use the tabs at the top to find Cities by A-Z or by Country, how to comply, and retrofitting details. This text also gives many links you can use to navigate the site.
Alternatively use the left hand menu to find out what are LEZs, and do why they exit, get an overview of LEZs, or use our 'Quick Guide'.
The ‘Quick Guide’ gives an overview table with all LEZs by country/city or start date, showing the most important facts at a single glance (emissions standard, vehicles, dates) and a link to full information. It also allows you to search LEZs by vehicle type affected: coach, lorry, camper van, van, car and motorcycle.
Overview of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Europe
LEZs are implemented to improve air quality, and help meet the EU health-based air quality limits, particularly of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5 and also Black Carbon) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Poor air quality kills over 310000 people in Europe each year - more than by road accidents – with human health costs of between €427 and €790 billion per year.
Which vehicles are affected?
The following table gives a summary by vehicles affected:
|
Vehicle type
|
LEZs
|
Vehicle standard 2011
|
Future standard
|
|
Lorries only
|
Netherlands |
Euro 4(PM) |
Euro 4 (1/7/13) |
| Austrian A12 motorway |
Euro 2/3 |
|
| Mont Blanc Tunnel, FR/IT |
Euro 1 |
|
| Heavy Duty Vehicles |
London, UK |
Euro 3(PM) |
Euro 4(PM) (3/1/12) |
| Denmark |
Fit filter if <Euro 4 |
|
| Sweden |
8 years old / Euro 3 |
|
| Prague, CZ |
Euro 2 |
|
| All 4+ wheelers |
Germany |
Euro 2-4(PM) & Euro 1 petrol |
|
| All vehicles |
Italy |
Euro 1-3 / no 2-stroke motorcycles |
|
| Local buses under agreements |
Norwich, UK |
Euro 3(NOx) |
|
| Oxford, UK |
None |
Euro V (1/1/13) |
| Vans |
London, UK |
None |
Euro 3 (3/1/12) |
| Germany |
Euro 2-4(PM) & Euro 1 petrol |
|
| taly |
Euro 1-3 / no 2-stroke motorcycles |
|
Operating hours: Most LEZs operate permanently, the exemption is Italy, where LEZs sometimes operate at peak or other selected times.
Do I have to register before entering? In Germany and Sweden you will need to buy a sticker. Danish vehicles need to purchase a sticker for the Danish LEZs, foreign vehicles need to carry proof of the vehicle emissions standard. Foreign vehicles are required to register with London’s LEZ (as the national database does not include their details). Entry to the Prague LEZ is by permit. Some Italian LEZs require stickers, and you need to pay to enter the Milan Ecopass area. In many cases registration is possible by Internet or post. More information on registering can be found on our 'Where do I need to register' page.
Other LEZs are enforced with cameras reading the vehicle number plates (Netherlands, London), or by police controlling the vehicle papers (Italy, A12, Mont Blanc Tunnel), or local agreements (Norwich, Oxford (UK)).
LEZs are also called Environment Zones, or in a selection of European languages: Umweltzonen, Fahrverbote, Milieuzones, Lavutslippssone, Norway, Miljozone, Miljözon, Zielone Strefy, Nízkoemisní Zóny, ZAPA (Zone d'Action Prioritaire pour l'Air, zone environnementale), Zona de Bajas Emisiones.
LEZs currently exist in 8 countries, Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, the Czech Republic. They are also in planning in other countries.
If your vehicle does not meet the emission standards required, you can buy a newer vehicle, use a different vehicle, or modify your vehicle's engine, for example by fitting a diesel particulate filter. You can find more about the different options from our how to comply page.
