Description
London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
In a bid to further combat harmful emissions and improve air quality in central London, the Mayor of London, together with Transport for London (TfL), introduced an ultra-low emission zone which was launched on 8 April, 2019.
The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except Christmas Day) in the same area as the current central London congestion charge zone. The scheme will apply to cars and motorcycles, as well as vans, minibuses and heavy vehicles. The ULEZ standards apply in addition to the existing congestion charge and Low Emission Zone requirements.
From 25 October 2021, the ULEZ will expand to cover central London to create a single, larger zone up to, but not including, North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). See directly on the TFL website.
ULEZ Standards
Motorcycles, mopeds and similar vehicles – ULEZ Standard: Euro 3
Gasoline engine cars, vans and minibuses – ULEZ standard: Euro 4
Cars, vans and minibuses with a diesel engine – ULEZ standard: Euro 6
Heavy vehicles, buses and coaches – ULEZ standard: Euro VI
Discounts and exemptions
The list of exemptions is limited and extends to:
- Residents
- Taxis
- Historic vehicles
- Discounts for showman vehicles
- Disabled Vehicles
- Private hire vehicles
ULEZ daily charge
If your vehicle meets any of the above criteria and is registered in the UK, it will automatically be exempt and you will not need to register with TfL. If your vehicle meets any of the above criteria but is registered outside the UK then you are also exempt but will need to register with TfL.
Daily ULEZ Charge Vehicles that do not meet ULEZ standards will be required to pay a daily charge to drive within the zone. Charges will depend on the type of vehicle.
- Motorcycles, mopeds and similar vehicles (Euro 3 applies) (£12.50)
- Cars, vans and minibuses with a petrol engine (Euro 4 applies) (£12.50)
- Diesel engined cars, vans and minibuses (Euro 6 applies) (£12.50)
- Hgvs, buses and coaches (Euro VI applies) (£100)
It is possible that a vehicle subject to ULEZ and/or LEZ emissions standards and driven during congestion charge hours will be required to pay all three daily charges.
Penalties
TfL may issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if you drive within the ULEZ without meeting emissions standards or paying the appropriate day rate. Failure to pay the daily access fee for a non-compliant HGV will result in a £1,000 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) (reducible to £500 if paid within 14 days). For large vans, minibuses and other relevant vehicles between 1205 and 3.5 tonnes the fine is £160 (reducible to £80 if paid within 14 days). Failure to pay a PCN within 28 days will result in the fine being increased to £1,500 or £240 (depending on vehicle size).
Emissions schemes operating and confirmed in London
See the table below for a brief overview of current emissions schemes in operation and confirmed in London.
| 8 April 2019 | Ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) central London | Introduction of ULEZ throughout the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) area requiring:
|
| 1 March 2021
|
Greater London Low Emission Zone (LEZ) | London-wide LEZ reinforcement for Euro VI for all HGVs, buses and coaches. |
| 25 October 2021 | ULEZ expansion | ULEZ expansion into inner London between, but not including the North and South Ring Roads requiring:
|
