Pluscrates prepares for the new LEZ regulations which come into affect in January 2013.

Crate rental specialist Pluscrates has invested more than £250,000 in new 7.5 tonne low emission vehicles for its central London Fleet. The move comes as part of the company’s preparations for tough new London Emission Zone (LEZ) regulations which come into affect in January 2013. The new LEZ regulations will compel vehicle operators to meet Euro 5 specification or pay a hefty £200 per day fine for each van entering the zone.

Pluscrates’ Managing Director John Mitchell said, “Our London depot is in Wembley, well within the LEZ, so we have no choice but to upgrade our fleet to Euro 5 spec.  However, we’re taking a positive approach and using it as an opportunity to acquire better vehicles that will improve efficiency generally.” 

The new Daf 7.5 tonne vans are equipped with super lightweight honeycomb GRP underbodies and fitted with a 20 ft box, permitting a much higher payload than was possible with the old Iveco models. Other improvements include aluminium cantilever tail-lifts to permit safe loading of up to 700 crates, and reversing cameras to improve safety when delivering.

Further Euro 5 compliant vehicles, including a Daf 18 tonne box van, are due for delivery to Pluscrates’ Wembley depot next year.