Ultra-Low Emission Zone  – London now has a new pollution charge

08 April 2019

As of 8 April 2019, London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has now been introduced in London and has replaced the T-Charge.  This means that now most vehicles will need to meet exhaust emission standards, or pay a daily charge, when travelling in central London.

Why is it being introduced?
The ULEZ is being introduced to reduce nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions, which come from transport. The aim is to encourage more walking, cycling, use of public transport and sustainable freight deliveries.  Transport for London  estimates that about 40,000 vehicles will be affected each day and is hopeful the ULEZ will reduce the number of polluting cars in London.

 What about the LEZ and the Congestion Charge?
The ULEZ covers all vehicles driven within the central London area.

The LEZ is seperate and covers larger vans, minibuses, lorries, buses and coaches as well as other specialist vehicles driven within most of Greater London.

The Congestion Charge is a daily charge for driving a vehicle within the charging zone.

When and where does the scheme operate?
The ULEZ now operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year within the same area of central London as the Congestion Charge. Most vehicles, including cars and vans, need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards or their drivers must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.

See here for more information:  https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/ulez-where-and-when?intcmp=52227

Who does it apply to?
It is best to check if you need to pay the charge on the link below, but in summary the following will need to pay:

• Coaches, Buses and lorries which do not meet or exceed the Euro 6 standards or pay £100 a day.
• 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).

You can check if your vehicle complies or not here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle-35896.

What does it cost?
The ULEZ costs £12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles and vans (up to and including 3.5 tonnes).  It costs £100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses or coaches (over 5 tonnes).

Anybody who does not pay the charge may be fined £160, although a first offence may result in only a warning letter.
For further information please contact a member of our regulatory team on 01254 828300.