What is Euro 4 for diesel cars and what Euro emission standard is my car? Full list and how to check
European emission standards mark the acceptable levels for exhaust emissions for cars sold in the EU and form the basis of the new T-charge in central London
EUROPEAN emission standards mark the acceptable levels for exhaust emissions for cars sold in the EU.
The emission standards are set out in a series of European Union directives which get progressively more stringent.
What is Euro 4 for diesel cars?
Euro 4 is the minimum standard for cars and vans driving in central London.
The grades form the basis of the T-charge in central London which has been introduced in a bid to curb pollution.
The standard was brought in in January 2005 and concentrated on cleaning up emissions from diesel cars, especially reducing particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen.
It marked a significant reduction in the permissible limits for particulates and nitrogen oxides in diesel engines and also marked the start of some being fitted with particulate filters.
How do I know if my car meets minimum emissions standards?
TFL explain on their website that the minimum emission standard for cars and vans is Euro 4.
If you drive a motorised tricycles or quadricycles, you're looking at Euro 3.
Don't know what these Euro rankings are? You're not alone.
You can find yours on your vehicle registration document - also known as a V5C.
But if you don't know where that is/can't be bothered to dig around for it, click here and input your license plate number.
The TFL helpful checker will then let you know if your vehicle will be subject to the charge.
What is the T-charge?
The T-charge is a daily emissions surcharge for cars, vans, minibuses, coaches and heavy good vehicles in central London IF they don't meet TFL's minimum emissions standard.
It will operate in the same area as the congestion charging zone and will be in ADDITION to the compulsory £11.50 Congestion Charge for those driving in the designated area.
Like the congestion charge it will only be enforced between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
The charge will set you back £10 per day or £1 a day for vehicles registered to people who live in the zone.
When does London's toxicity charge come into force?
The charge comes into force TODAY (October 23 2017) and will apply between 7am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Bank holidays are excluded, along with the period between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
