Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): Everything You Need To Know
The ULEZ expansion goes into effect 29th August 2023
The expansion of the ULEZ this year has been a hotly debated topic, but it’s still going ahead despite the massive opposition.
Currently, the ULEZ covers the entire area within the North and South Circular roads. The expansion, currently set to come into effect 29th August 2023 will cover all London boroughs.
What is the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
The London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is located within London and is an area where vehicles must meet specific emissions standards to allow owners to drive within this area without incurring a charge. This was introduced in April 2019, to encourage the use of cleaner vehicles in London. Those who don’t meet the strict emissions standards are required to pay a charge for driving in the ULEZ area.
How much is the ULEZ charge?
The ULEZ charge qualifies for all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and vans driven within the ULEZ zone that are not exempt. If these vehicles don’t meet the minimum ULEZ emissions standards, drivers will have to pay a £12.50 daily charge.
How does the ULEZ charge work?
Driving over or within the border of the ULEZ in a car that does not mean ULEZ requirements will incur a charge £12.50. Vehicles are tracked using ULEZ cameras which scan your licence plate to check if your vehicle meets the emission standards.
While the daily charge itself is only £12.50 per day, the penalty for not paying is £180 – though this is reduced to £90 if you pay within 14 days.
How can I check if my car is ULEZ compliant?
The quickest and best way to check if your car is ULEZ compliant is by going to Transport for London (Tfl) vehicle checker website. This will tell you whether your vehicle warrants a ULEZ charge, London Low Emission Zone and the Congestion Charge. The details you’ll need to verify this is your vehicle registration number and country details.
How can you be charged twice?
The charge works on a 24-hour cycle – from midnight to midnight. So, if you set off on your journey at 11:50pm and return home at 12:15am you will be charged twice for a single journey.
This means that people like nurses, and other occupations that work overnight shifts, drivers picking children up from late night activities, or people making emergency journeys to hospitals could be charged £25 for a single journey.
The rail and TfL strikes mean that public transport is often not available after 7pm on strike days, causing more people to drive in and out of London across the midnight cut off point.
The Night Time Industries Association has found that approximately 58,000 people risk being charged twice in one shift. Michael Kill, the Chief Executive, has said the double charge has ‘exposed thousands of night works to additional costs disproportionately for working at night.’
Do I have to pay ULEZ and Congestion Charges?
Yes, you will still need to pay the Congestion Charges. This is still the case whether your vehicle is ULEZ compliant or not.
What are the government doing to help?
Not a lot. In fact, it’s estimated that millions of Londoners will ignore the ULEZ when it expands and continue to use their cars due to the less frequent, and more unreliable nature, of the public transport systems in the outer boroughs of London.
That said, Khan has introduced a scrappage scheme worth £110million as a way of prompting people to drive more economical vehicles. The scheme currently supports small businesses, charities, people on low income, and disabled Londoners, allowing them to swap their old, non-compliant vehicles with a newer, greener option so they don’t have to pay the ULEZ charge.
Find out more about Clean Air Zones across the UK.
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