Low Emission Neighbourhoods explained

Driving into London can be a minefield when it comes to where and when you may be charged for entering a particular zone. From the Congestion Charge Zone to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), unless you drive a compliant vehicle, the costs to enter the capital city can certainly add up.

As part of a series of blogs relating to ULEZ, we explain what a Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) is, how it works and what the difference is between a LEN and a Low Emission Zone. Read on to find out more…    

What is a Low Emission Neighbourhood?

Aimed at improving the air quality in a particular area, a Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) is a London-based scheme that was first introduced in 2016. Benefiting those living in the affected community, a LEN focuses on combating the impact of busy roads caused by increased traffic. 

It is hoped that the implementation of LENs will reduce congestion and encourage people who live and work in the area to find alternative means of travel, such as on foot or by bike. Reducing vehicle emissions to improve the air quality is the overall aim of the scheme, which works alongside the existing Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).  

How does a Low Emission Neighbourhood work?

To give a bit more background, Transport for London (TfL) launched a Transport Emissions Roadmap (TERM) that explores ways in which CO2 and air pollution caused by ground-based transport, can be reduced. Areas dubbed transport ‘hotspots’ in London now have Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) status - we’ve highlighted these locations further down the article.

The key objectives of a LEN are:

• To reduce transport emissions
• To improve air quality
• To combat climate change
• To reduce the negative impact on people's health
• To increase physical activity and improve human health
• To reduce road traffic accidents and casualties
• To make more efficient use of limited road space

These selected neighbourhood areas need to commit to traffic management and parking restrictions. To meet the objectives set out by the LEN scheme, local councils must:

• Reduce the amount of vehicle journeys in the area
• Encourage people to upgrade to low-emission and zero emission vehicles
• Improve the urban community (such as by reducing vehicle noise)

Here are some of the ways in which LENs are having an impact in their area:

• Traffic management schemes - such as car-free days, no through-traffic roads, timed road closures, permitted vehicle-only roads, residents only access roads, and vehicle loading only access 
• Parking management schemes - such as variable charging rates at peak times, residential parking permits charged by emissions, and parking based on Euro standards
• Introducing a localised Low Emission Zone (if not already in the Ultra Low Emission Zone)
• Limiting lorries and freight services - such as ‘no idling’ zones and coordinated delivery times 
• Working with local businesses and schools to explain the importance of LEN in its aim to reduce emissions
• Improving access and routes for walkers and cyclists
• Adding to electric vehicle infrastructure
• Freeing up space for green areas known as ‘pocket parks’    

Where are the Low Emission Neighbourhoods?

Supported by funding from the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund (MAQF), five Low Emission Neighbourhoods (LENs) in London are already active. These are:

1. Barbican ‘City of London’ (covering Barbican, Barts and Guildhall)
2. Shoreditch ‘City Fringe’ (covering Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets)
3. Greenwich Town Centre (covering Greenwich West and Peninsula wards)
4. Marylebone (in the Borough of Westminster)
5. *Newly added* Croydon (covering the area from Thornton Heath Pond to West Croydon Station’

There are a number of other boroughs and London councils who have applied to implement their own LEN schemes. They are:

• Hackney (centred around Stoke Newington Church Street)
• Camden Town
• Becontree Heath (Barking and Dagenham)
• Walworth (Southwark)

What’s the difference between a Low Emission Neighbourhood and a Low Emission Zone?

Low Emission Neighbourhoods and Low Emission Zones can seem one and the same, but are in fact two separate schemes. Here we explain the difference between the two:

A Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) is a scheme focussed on a particular area of London and is designed to reduce vehicle emissions, improve air quality and benefit the local community by investing in more green spaces. Rather than focussing on a particular measure of vehicle intervention, a LEN encompasses many forms of vehicle management and restrictions, alongside improvements and opportunities for local people.  

By comparison, a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is in place to discourage the most polluting vehicles (particularly heavy duty diesel vans and lorries) from entering a particular area. This works via a zone-based system which operates inside the North and South circular roads and is in operation 24-hours a day, 364 days a year (everyday except Christmas Day).

Let’s throw into the mix the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which is set to expand across Greater London on the 29th August 2023. Compared to LEZ, ULEZ has even stricter parameters to ensure that highly polluting non-compliant vehicles are charged to enter a certain area. Like LEZ, ULEZ is in operation 24-hours a day, 364 days a year (all but Christmas Day).

Find out more about where the ULEZ is expanding to, what makes a vehicle ULEZ compliant, and how much it costs to enter ULEZ by reading our dedicated ULEZ blog. If you’re travelling to another city outside of London, then stay up to speed with the Clean Air Zones (CAZ) popping up in the most populated areas of the UK.

If you’re planning on upgrading to a LEN, LEZ, ULEZ or CAZ-compliant vehicle, then why not read all about the 2023 London ULEZ scrappage scheme to find out if you’re eligible for a grant of up to £9,500 for a van or £2,000 for a car.    

Finance a Low Emission Neighbourhood vehicle

If you live or work in a Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) and are looking to upgrade to a low emission or zero emission vehicle, then here at Octane Finance we can lend a helping hand. We are a well-established broker working exclusively within the automotive industry and have helped many thousands of customers afford a new set of wheels.

Applying for vehicle finance could prove a more cost effective way of funding your new car, van or motorcycle. From Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) deals to Hire Purchase (HP) solutions or Lease Purchase (LP) options, take advantage of our free online finance calculator to find out just how much you could be paying for your emission friendly vehicle.