Many towns and cities across the UK have introduced Emission Control Zones and the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London has recently expanded, impacting tens of thousands of light commercial vehicle owners (LVC’S). The implementation of these zones means drivers of LCV’s not meeting Euro 6 emission standards will have to pay a daily charge to enter the zone. 

Owners and operators of Euro 5 light commercials may not be aware that they do not need to purchase a Euro 6 vehicle to be compliant to travel within emission control zones. Our organisation, HJS, has developed a range of retrofit exhaust systems that can be installed onto Euro 5 vans, upgrading them for compliance with Euro 6 emission standards.   

Many tradespeople have customised or specially adapted their vehicles and therefore replacing their van for a newer Euro 6 vehicle is not a viable option. The HJS SCR retrofit solution involves the installation of a HJS Emission Technology manufactured catalyst, together with and an Adblue injection system, which is mounted to the vehicle’s chassis which then provides a reduction in pollutants. HJS is currently the only company who have developed a retrofit solution available for vans. Alternatives options for compliance are purchasing a Euro 6-compliant vehicle, paying the daily charge, or not traveling within an emission control zone. 

Something owners of non-compliant vans may not be aware of is that retrofits are governed by the Energy Savings Trust (EST) under a scheme called the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS). The scheme certifies that all retrofit technologies meet UK government standards. This UK-wide certification scheme ensures that the correct levels of pollution reduction are achieved and that retrofits are tested and approved by CVRAS are providing compliance with all UK emission zones. 

Retrofit solutions are available for a large range of Euro 5 vans and the Land Rover Defender application. To check if your van is suitable for retrofit you will need to ensure it meets Euro 5 emissions standards and that the application type is listed on the Energy Savings Trust's website under the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS). As a guide, Euro 5 vehicles are typically registered between the years 2010 to 2016.

The HJS SCR retrofit system operates independently from the vehicle's original electronic systems and is normally installed within one or two days. The good news is there are various funding schemes available throughout the UK including the TFL scrappage scheme which typically cover over 70% of the retrofit cost.

In a recent announcement, the Mayor of London launched an expansion to the £110m scrappage/retrofit scheme to assist owners of non-compliant vehicles. The expansion benefits thousands more Londoners and businesses as the scheme provides a contribution of £6,000 to retrofit vans, an option that many tradespeople will find more affordable and viable than replacing their vehicle.

The scheme supports small businesses registered in London (under 50 employees). All London-based sole traders and small businesses can scrap or retrofit up to three vehicles. The scrappage scheme application process is a simple online form that can be found on the Transport for London website. Vehicle owners will need to upload evidence to prove their identity and eligibility. Outside of London many local authorities also offer grant funding of up to £6,000 for a fully accredited retrofit conversion. 

To check for eligibility for funding drivers can check the Transport for London (TfL) website.

Upon completion of the retrofit upgrade, an installation certificate is provided to the vehicle owner and HJS submits the details to the Energy Savings Trust (EST) who are responsible for updating the ANPR camera database to show the vehicle as being compliant.