Did you know, emissions legislation for plant and equipment has changed across Greater London?
From January 1, 2025, all Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) in Greater London, the Central Activities Zone (CAZ), and Opportunity Areas must meet Stage IV emissions standards (Stage V for generators).
London’s LEZ was updated on January 1, 2025, imposing stricter emissions regulations on a wide range of plant and machinery. From the start of this year all Greater London Zones, the Central Activities Zone (CAZ) and Opportunity Areas will have identical emissions standards. All in-scope NRMM (with engine outputs of 37-560kW) on sites within these areas, will need to comply with Stage IV emissions standards as a minimum. Generators must meet EU Stage V emissions standard.
NRMM equipment includes excavators, dumpers, access platforms, pumps, compressors, telehandlers, crushers, pavers and bulldozers and other machinery in use on construction and demolition projects. It also includes static machinery like generators, which must meet the higher Stage V standard.
Meeting ‘Tier’ emissions standards is not a guarantee of compliance. Emissions Tiers are a US regulation and, although they often correspond to EU Stage regulations, they are not always the same. Machinery users must ensure that equipment meets the relevant EU Stage standards.
Until this year, the majority of NRMM equipment working in Greater London has had to meet Stage IIIB, while sites in the CAZ and Opportunity Areas have been required to meet Stage IV. Now all sites must comply with the new rules. On January 1, 2030, all NRMM will be expected to meet Stage V regulations and by January 1, 2040, equipment will need to be zero-emissions.
Sites must register the plant and emission stages of the machinery that they use or have on hire on the Mayor of London NRMM website. This is the responsibility of the principal contractor, though they will need information from sub-contractors and machinery suppliers to complete this registration.
What Does This Mean for Machinery Hire?
For businesses that rely on plant hire for construction, civil engineering and more, the new regulations are a game-changer. Here’s what to consider if hiring equipment is part of your operations in Greater London:
1. Rental Fleet Compliance
Any generator you use on-site must meet Stage V emissions standards to comply with the new regulations. Companies hiring non-compliant equipment will not be able to operate within the city limits legally. Selecting a hire company with a fully compliant fleet is now essential.
2. Cost Implications
While updating fleets to meet new standards might sound expensive, non-compliance could cost more in the long run. Fines for using non-compliant machinery in the LEZ can add significant financial pressures to projects already tight on budgets and timelines. Local Authority enforcement officers can carry out routine site visits to check compliance with the LEZ and there are penalties for non-compliance. These vary according to the Local Authority, but they can include a Stop Notice or fines.
3. Site-Specific Needs
Different sites have a range of power requirements, from peak loading to intermittent demand. Generators must provide efficient and reliable output while maintaining compliance. Choosing a rental company that understands these site-specific challenges and can cater to them with compliant solutions, will be key in operational success.
4. Planning for the Future
With emissions standards set to become even stricter over time, it’s worth planning ahead. Partnering with a rental provider that already offers Stage V compliant machinery (and is prepared for 2030 or beyond) will save you from scrambling to adapt later.
What Should You Look for in a Machinery Hirer?
Complying with NRMM LEZ changes starts with choosing the right partner for your equipment needs. When evaluating hiring companies, here are a few must-haves to keep in mind:
- A Fully Compliant Fleet
Ensure the entire fleet meets or exceeds current legislation standards for emissions.
Expert Knowledge of Regulations
Your equipment partner should have a thorough understanding of emissions legislation and how it applies in Greater London. They should also be able to provide documentation proving compliance.
- Future-Readiness
Since regulations will continue to tighten, your hire company should demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainable practices, transitioning to low- and zero-emission solutions over time.
How Charles Wilson Can Help
At Charles Wilson, we are proud to offer a comprehensive fleet of machinery that fully complies with the latest emissions legislation.
Why Choose Us?
- Legislation-Compliant Fleet
All of our machinery meets legislative standards, ensuring you stay fully compliant within the Greater London NRMM LEZ.
- Tailored Power Solutions
We work closely with you to design generator setups aligned with your project’s specific requirements, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimum emissions.
- Expert Support
Our experienced team is well-versed in NRMM emissions legislation. Whether you need advice on compliance or help navigating exemption policies, we’re here to assist.
- Environmentally Conscious Approach
We are committed to supporting sustainable practices, with plans to integrate zero-emission solutions in the future.
Interested in Learning More?
If you need help understanding how NRMM legislation impacts your business—or are ready to hire compliant plant and machinery, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Stay Compliant and Sustainable
The NRMM LEZ legislation changes for Greater London represent a significant step toward cleaner air and a more sustainable future. For anyone from construction companies, fleet managers and event organisers, preparing for these updates isn’t optional—it’s necessary.
Partnering with a trusted equipment hire company like Charles Wilson Plant Hire ensures that you can meet compliance requirements while maintaining smooth operations.
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare; reach out today. With fully compliant solutions and knowledgeable support at your fingertips, we’ll help you power your way to a successful and sustainable project.
