The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has raised concerns about the introduction of the Central London Low Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Set to be introduced in 2019, the BVRLA feel there has not been enough time for companies to be prepared for the changes.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “The ULEZ will now come into effect seventeen months earlier than originally planned and many commercial fleet operators will face a big financial challenge in trying to upgrade their vehicles ahead of schedule.
“Many of these operators will be small and medium sized businesses that rely on buying second-hand vehicles from larger fleets and can’t afford to go and buy a whole new Euro VI fleet at short notice.”
It is expected other cities may adopt similar zones in coming years as part of a government drive to reduce pollution.