When the Low Emissions Zone (LEZ) scheme extends to minibuses on 3rd January Hackney Community Transport is ready to offer support to community groups.

The aim of the LEZ scheme is an important one – reducing the number of air polluting vehicles in Greater London to help improve air quality. The LEZ has operated since 2008 for diesel lorries, buses and coaches but on 3rd January 2012 the scheme will be extended to larger vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles.

The LEZ extension may impact charities, schools and community groups operating their own minibuses because vehicles registered as new before 1 January 2002 (vehicles 10 years and older) may need to:

• be replaced by newer vehicles
• converted to run on pure gas
• fitted with abatement equipment

You can find out more about the LEZ here

Community groups need not panic if they are affected by the LEZ. There is a great alternative option for community groups which is to join Hackney Community Transport’s low cost alternative to minibus hire – the Group Transport scheme. Group Transport is a not-for-profit scheme to keep the voluntary organisations, sports clubs, community or faith groups, schools and charities of Hackney on the move.

You can find out more about the Group Transport scheme here

Or contact us on 020 7275 2414