Across Europe there are low emission zones (LEZs) across Europe. If you’re planning a European trip in your campervan or motorhome, then these LEZs could present certain issues – unless you take the time to prepare!
In this post we’ll outline what European LEZs are, and how they work. We’ll also discuss how you can plan and prepare to ensure that LEZs don’t cause any problems on your trip.
At Anthony Jones, we specialise in bespoke insurance cover for campervans and motorhomes – including European breakdown cover. If you have any questions about your insurance needs for your European trip, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
What is a European LEZ?
You will find LEZs in 10 countries and over 200 cities across Europe. If your vehicle exceeds certain emission levels, then you’ll either be charged to drive in an LEZ, or you’ll be outright prevented from even entering the area.
These LEZs have different names in different countries. In Germany they’re known as Umweltzonen, for example, whereas France refers to them as either ZCRs (for permanent low-emission zones) or ZPAs (for temporary low-emission zones).
What European Countries Have LEZs?
The following European countries operate some form of LEZ scheme:
- France
- Germany
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Italy
- Hungary
- Austria
- Spain
- Norway
- Sweden
If you plan on passing through any of these countries as part of your European motorhome or campervan trip, be sure to familiarise yourself with the country specific rules as far in advance as possible.
Different countries may set different emission restrictions for their LEZs, so you’ll need to know your campervan or motorhome’s emission standard.
In some countries you may need to register your vehicle to enter LEZs (if you meet the emissions criteria, that is). In other countries you may need to display a certain sticker on your vehicle throughout your trip.
Countries Where You May Have To Register Your Vehicle To Enter an LEZ
- Belgium – There are currently LEZs operating in Antwerp, Brussels, and Ghent, but other cities may introduce LEZs soon. You will have to register your vehicle before you enter these cities. If your vehicle does not meet the emission class standards, you may be able to apply for an exemption, or a day pass.
- Denmark – There are LEZs in Aalborg, Aarhus, Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, and Odense. It’s mandatory for all diesel vehicles to register before they enter LEZs, and you can do so online.
- Italy – Numerous Italian cities have LEZs, including Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice. In most cases, the LEZ regulations are only enforced during busy hours, which will be listed on signs around the zones. You should aim to avoid these areas outright during restricted hours, or else you’ll face a hefty fine. In other cities, such as Milan, Palermo, and Bologna, you may have to apply for a permit if you want to drive in the city centre.
Cities Where You May Need To Display An Emissions Sticker
- Spain – Strict environmental rules apply to any Spanish city with a population of more than 50,000 – which amounts to around 150 cities, including Barcelona and Madrid. It’s mandatory for all vehicles to display emissions stickers when driving in these cities, but the stickers are only available for vehicles registered in Spain. Luckily, the authorities will accept German and French environmental stickers too. In addition, you may have to apply for a daily permit to drive in cities such as Barcelona.
- France – You’ll need a Crit’Air sticker to drive in France. This sticker will denote your vehicle’s emission levels, which will determine whether you can drive through France’s LEZs. You can read our full guide to LEZs in France.
- Germany – You’ll need an emission sticker known as an Umweltplakette if you want to drive through Germany’s LEZs. There are three stickers available, each one denoting certain emission levels: Green, red, and yellow. As you might have guessed, only the greenest vehicles can get the green sticker. And unfortunately, only vehicles with green stickers are allowed to drive through most German LEZs. You can learn more about German emissions stickers.
Don’t Let LEZs Take You By Surprise!
Campervans and motorhomes are rarely the greenest of vehicles. So unfortunately, it’s very likely that you’ll be severely restricted, or even banned outright, from driving in LEZs across Europe.
Research the LEZs in your target destinations in advance, and make sure you do all you can to prepare as far in advance as possible – whether that’s through registering your vehicle, applying for permits, or getting the correct stickers.
Try to plan your trip and your routes so as to avoid LEZs. As you might have noticed, they’re usually found in urban areas. So if you want to visit a city as part of your trip, find a place to park outside of the LEZs, and then use public transport to complete your journey.
And finally, don’t let a breakdown ruin your European adventure! At Anthony Jones, we can help you ensure you’re fully covered for breakdowns and other setbacks when touring Europe. For more information, call us on 0208 290 9099, or email Commercial.Motor@AnthonyJones.com.
