Low Emission Zones (LEZs) are a growing reality in cities, and for motorhome travellers they can be a source of fines if you don't know how they work. Since many campers are built on diesel vans of a certain age, it's worth being very clear on how these zones work and how they affect your vehicle. Here's a clear explanation. (General information; the specific regulations of each city take priority.)
What LEZs are
A Low Emission Zone is an area of a city where access or circulation of the most polluting vehicles is restricted to improve air quality. More and more European cities are rolling them out under national and EU-level air-quality rules, so they keep spreading. [Note: which cities have an active LEZ and their exact conditions vary by country and change over time — check the local rules before you travel.]
The key factor: the emissions sticker or category
Access to an LEZ depends on your vehicle's emissions category or sticker (systems vary by country), assigned based on its emissions and age. The cleaner the vehicle, the fewer restrictions. Vehicles with no sticker or the lowest category (the oldest ones) are the most affected, and many motorhomes, being built on vans of a certain age, may fall into a low category or have none at all. Check your vehicle's rating before travelling.
How it affects your camper
- Depending on your category, you may enter freely, face restrictions (times, days), or be unable to enter certain LEZs at all.
- Each city has its own rules: not all LEZs are the same; limits, hours and exceptions vary.
- Fines for entering without permission are usually automatic (cameras).
How to avoid problems
- Know your vehicle's emissions category (check with the relevant national authority).
- Before approaching a city, check whether it has an LEZ and whether you can enter.
- As a general rule, don't take the camper into city centres: leave it on the outskirts and use public transport (see the camper in the city).
- Plan your route with the LEZs along the way in mind.
In summary
LEZs restrict access to cities based on emissions category, and they particularly affect campers built on older diesel vans, with automatic fines. The step you can take today: check your vehicle's emissions category and, before visiting any city, check whether it has an LEZ and whether you can enter; the safest bet is to leave the camper on the outskirts. Combine it with the camper in the city and fines to avoid.