Great news for potential buyers of low emission vehicles, the mayor of London Boris Johnson has just announced a new plan to tackle vehicle pricing regarding emission regulations that are set to come into effect in 2012. The packages which will see six different vehicle manufacturers offer great deals to over 72,000 owners of commercial vans and minibuses that regularly use what is called the 'Low Emission Zone' in London.

You will know that from January 2012 any vehicles that enter the Low Emission zone and do not meet low emission guidelines and emission rulings will have to pay a daily levy of £100. The zone covers a very large section of London including greater London, large sections of the M4 and M1 and roads around Heathrow airport.

The van manufacturers that are taking part in the scheme are Ford, Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz to name but a few. Participants who partake in the discount scheme will be able to get great discounts on popular and wonderfully versatile commercial vans such as the Ford Transit and Transit Connect. Depending on the discount it might even give more value for money then the many used vans for sale currently available.

The Mayor of London explained more about the scheme and his thoughts behind it by saying ''Vans are the lifeblood of this city. Their drivers are knights of the road, an army of entrepreneurs who decorate our homes, fix our plumbing and generally provide all the vital goods and services essential to the smooth running of our city. This noble bunch is mostly small business owners and independent traders who are focused on grafting hard to support their families and build a better future.

"So I am pleased to announce I have secured a hefty package of discounts with major van manufacturers which will help Londoners trade up their vehicles to new, cleaner models. Now is the time to help us tackle dangerous emissions to help those who most deserve our protection. The health of our children is too important to put at risk.'

Not everyone is thrilled with the announcement, there are still many that think the Low Emission Zone scheme was a case of too little too late and complain that the Mayor put many of London's environmental issues on the backburner when he took up the office. Many are hoping that this is a starting block that will ensure that enviromental issues are taken more seriously by the London Council.