The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has published his draft air quality strategy for the capital. It confirms that from 2012 London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) standards will be extended to vans (with a minimum unladen weight of 1.205 tonnes) and minibuses (vehicles with more than eight passenger seats and below 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight). The previous introduction date of 2010 was postponed to help small businesses during the economic downturn.

Vans and minibuses which do not meet the Euro 3 standard by 2012 will have to pay a daily charge of £100. As BVRLA members will, by this date, be operating vans of a Euro 3 standard or higher, customers using these will not incur the charge. Members therefore have an opportunity to promote the benefits of renting and leasing LEZ-compliant vehicles.

 What is B30 bio diesel?
B30 bio diesel fuel is a blend of 70% per cent fossil fuel and 30% bio diesel, which is derived from fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Normal diesel only contains up to five per cent bio diesel (to the BS EN590 standard).

How can B30 bio diesel be identified on the forecourt?
At garage forecourts, the B30 bio diesel nozzle is usually located next to the normal diesel nozzle. However, the B30 bio diesel is easily identifiable because the nozzle is usually orange, whereas the normal diesel nozzle is black.

Why should I be concerned about B30 bio diesel?
Using B30 bio diesel when it is not compatible with the vehicle can cause long term problems. This may invalidate the new vehicle warranty creating a direct cost to the driver if repairs are subsequently required. If you have any doubt related to your vehicle and fuel compatibility please contact the relevant vehicle manufacturer direct.

Which vehicles are permitted to use B30 bio diesel?
B30 bio diesel is now available from a number of supermarkets nationwide but is not approved by all vehicle manufacturers for use in their vehicles, as at the date of this communication, the position is as follows

The following vehicle manufacturers do not approve the use of B30 bio diesel in any of their vehicles:

Chrysler Group including Chrysler / Jeep / Dodge
Fiat / Alfa Group
Hyundai
LDV

The following vehicle manufacturers do not approve the use of B30 bio diesel in any of their vehicles and if used will invalidate the Manufacturer warranty:

BMW
Ford
GM Group – including Vauxhall, SAAB, Chevrolet, Hummer, Cadillac, Corvette
Honda
Jaguar
Kia
Lexus
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Subaru
Suzuki
Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda
Volvo

B30 bio diesel can be used on selected vehicles only with approval from the following Manufacturers under specific conditions or on a case by case basis: (Please contact the Vehicle Manufacturer direct to find out which vehicles are suitable)

Citroen
Peugeot
Renault

10 August 2009