If you own a fleet, you know that there are a number of rules and regulations your trucks and drivers need to meet. Vehicle emissions standards are one of the most important compliance rules to follow, with a number of EU and UK laws affecting how you operate and drive on our roads. Whether you’re an independent driver or a fleet owner, understanding the rules and regulations on emissions is essential for your operations and can help protect your reputation and save you money.
In this blog, we’ll talk through all the important emissions regulations related to HGVs and trucks so you can be prepared for any occasion.
Looking for a truck that’s eco-friendly? Our range of trucks for sale at Smith Bros is compliant with the latest emissions laws, so you can hit the road without a worry.
Important Emissions Standards for HGVs and Trucks
The Euro Emission Standards
These rules are the foundation for emissions standards across Europe and the UK. The rules outlined in these standards are set in place to reduce the rate of harmful emissions emitted by vehicles on our roads. There are 7 Euro emissions, but not all of them apply to heavy-duty vehicles and trucks. The important rules to note include:
Euro 1–5 – These rules came into effect between 1992 and 2008 and have been introduced to reduce the levels of harmful toxins produced by vehicles. The most important pollutants to note include nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that come from diesel engines. All rules 1 through 5 are relevant to HGVs and other trucks and set out emission limits, encourage alternative fuels and new fuel technology.
Euro 6 – This came into effect for HGVs in 2014 and outlined that NOx emissions from diesel trucks must be less than 0.08g/km and petrol vehicles should not exceed 0.06g/km. In order to meet these standards, exhaust after-treatment systems need to be installed on trucks to reduce the amount of pollution leaving the vehicle.
Euro 7 – This is an upcoming regulation and is the next step from Euro 6. It aims to create a 35% reduction in NOx emissions from cars and vans and, more significantly, a 56% reduction in emissions from lorries and buses. This rule has not yet come into effect, but is expected to start in 2026.
Fuel Efficiency Standards
All new truck models need to be tested and certified to meet CO2 and emission standards. Manufacturers need to ensure that their trucks meet the requirements set out in the Euro emission standards and have adequate fuel efficiency.
The need for these standards also encourages the introduction of more eco-friendly materials and technologies. Creating ways to optimise fuel efficiency not only helps the environment, but it also saves money and resources for operators, so fuel efficiency standards have actually proven beneficial for many long-haul companies.
UK-specific emission regulations
For the most part, the UK follows European emission laws as standard, but Britain also has its own regulations.
Clean air zones
Clean air zones and low-emission zones are in place in many areas around the UK, including:
- Bath
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Bradford
- Sheffield
- Portsmouth
- Tyneside – Newcastle and Gateshead
When driving in these zones, you may be charged if your vehicle does not meet emission standards. Each area is different, so you’ll need to check if and what you need to pay before you travel.
Ultra Low Emission Zone
This applies to certain areas in London, and all lorries HGVs over 3.5 tonnes need to pay to drive in these areas. The daily charge for driving in a ULEZ zone is £12.50 per day.
Congestion Charge
The Congestion Charge is a separate charge to ULEZ and LEZ and is compulsory for any vehicles driving within the designated zone from 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 12 pm to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. This charge is £15 per day and is designed to reduce traffic and pollution from congestion in central London.
Net Zero
Alongside specific vehicle emission standards, the UK also has general laws and goals regarding pollution and climate change, with the most significant being Net Zero. This outlines the goal that Britain and other countries need to have be net zero CO2 or producing no CO2 emissions by 2050 in order to prevent catastrophic climate damage.
There are a number of rules and regulations regarding pollution to ensure we hit Net Zero, and the European Emission Standards have designed their rules in line with meeting the reduced pollution goals.
What do emissions rules mean for fleets?
With a number of rules for HGV drivers and fleet operators to follow, it’s important to know what actions you need to take to meet emissions targets.
Select eco-friendly vehicles and fleets
When choosing new trucks for your fleet, the vehicle you choose has to meet emissions standards, but you also need to consider your own business needs. Choosing a compliant vehicle with the right features and at an affordable price can be difficult if you’re not sure what to look for.
- Ensure all vehicles meet Euro 6 standards
- Consider investing in electric or hybrid vehicles. For an exploration into the pros and cons of electric trucks, take a look at our dedicated blog.
- Opt for vehicles that produce lower CO2
- Consider vehicles with built-in fuel-saving software
By purchasing vehicles already compliant with emissions standards, you’ll have fewer adjustments to make in the future to ensure your vehicle meets regulations.
Plan and rework routes
Plans to introduce low-emissions zones in other urban areas across the UK have been discussed in parliament, and it’s not unlikely that big cities will also introduce tariffs. In order to avoid excessive tolls or charges, part of your fleet management should be route optimisation. Although your vehicle should still be compliant with emissions standards, carefully planning and rerouting can not only prevent congestion but can also ensure your deliveries are on time.
Fleet management techniques
There are a number of techniques and systems you can use to help reduce emissions from your trucks. Not only can you invest in fleet management software that tracks fuel usage and prevents stalling and sitting idle, you can also train drivers to reduce behaviours like over-revving that use excess fuel.
Ensure you’re road-ready with the right knowledge
Vehicle emission rules continue to emerge each year as governments continue to create goals to hit Net Zero. This means that fleets and companies will need to regularly adapt and embrace modern fuel management technologies to ensure standards are met. With the right emissions management, you’ll not only take steps to become a more eco conscious company, but you can save money on vehicle charges and tariffs.
If you need any more advice and guidance on vehicle laws, we have a number of useful resources over on our blog to explore. Alternatively, you can get in touch with one of our experts and we’ll be happy to help.
