London on Monday established the UK’s first low-emissions zone, imposing charges on heavy polluting trucks, in an attempt to clean up air quality in and around the capital.

A daily charge of £200 ($395) will be levied against diesel-engined lorries, coaches, buses, minivans and hearses over 3.5 tonnes which do not meet European Union pollution standards. The Road Haulage Association has estimated that nearly 20,000 goods vehicles will be affected, though coach operators were provided with grants last year to upgrade each of their vehicles.