The new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) came into force in central London on 8 April 2019.
The first part of London’s ULEZ covers the existing Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ) and will be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is also in operation at weekends and Bank Holidays from 12 – 18.00hrs
It replaces the T-Charge and operates in addition to the CCZ – meaning those travelling in affected areas during the Congestion Charge’s operating time (7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) will have to pay both tolls.
The new ULEZ charges are calculated on the emissions a vehicle produces rather than the car’s age. Vehicles affected will have to pay an extra £12.50 – with charges calculated on the emissions a vehicle produces, rather than its age. Anybody who does not pay the charge will face a fine of £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days).
Vehicles can be checked using TfL’s online checker but generally, those impacted by the new ULEZ are:
- Motorbikes that do not meet Euro 3 standards (pre-2007 vehicles)
- Petrol cars and vans that do not meet Euro 4 standards (vehicles pre-2006)
- Diesel cars and vans that do not meet Euro 6 standards (vehicles pre-2015)
While heavier vehicles do require specific Euro standards to avoid fees, they are actually exempt from the daily ULEZ charge and instead fall under the separate London-wide Low Emission Zone (LEZ). [1]
Current London Heavy Vehicle Regulations:
- The Rule: Lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses/coaches over 5 tonnes must meet Euro VI (not just Euro 6) emission standards for both \(\text{NO}_{x}\) and \(\text{PM}\).
- The Charges: Vehicles that do not meet these emission standards are subject to the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charge, which is £100 or £300 a day depending on the exact weight and type of vehicle.
- ULEZ Exemption: Because they are subject to LEZ rules, larger vehicles (lorries > 3.5t, buses/coaches > 5t) do not pay the £12.50 daily ULEZ
Under current plans, the ULEZ will be expanded to cover the entire area between the North and South Circular roads in 2021. This has now happened so the maps and text needs updating to reflect this
The ULEZ area
Further information
For more information visit the TfL website:
tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone
Online vehicle checker:
tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle-35896?intcmp=35896