FROM August 29, 2023, the Ultra Low Emission Zone will expanded across all London boroughs and more vehicles could be expected to pay a daily charge of £12.50.
However there are some cars, which are exempt from paying, but which ones are and are there other exempts?
AlamyTFL are aiming to reduce carbon emissions with new expand of ULEZ charges[/caption]
Are electric cars exempt from ULEZ charges?
All electric cars are exempt from the ULEZ charge.
This includes every mainstream EV of any age, plus any vehicle that has been properly converted and registered as a battery car.
Hybrid cars are also exempt from charges if they meet Euro 4 or 6 standards.
What vehicles are exempt from the charges?
In order to be exempt from charges, any petrol fulled cars must meet Euro 4 emission standards, which were introduced in 2006 for normal cars.
Generally speaking, that means that petrol cars first registered in 2005 or later will be eligible to travel in the ULEZ zone without the £12.50 charge.
Diesel cars, meanwhile, must meet more stringent Euro 6 standards, which were introduced later.
That means that most diesel cars first registered in 2015 will be able to travel in the ULEZ without the £12.50 charge.
Petrol or diesel cars first registered before these dates may not be compliant and could fall foul of the new strict rules.
Motorcycles must meet Euro 3 emissions standards, which were made mandatory in 2007.
And motorists driving cars, vans, motorbikes or mopeds registered after these dates should still check ULEZ compliance on the TfL website to be sure.
The ‘Euro’ standard applicable to your vehicle may be written on the V5 document.
Other exemptions include:
Vehicles with a historic tax classMilitary vehiclesSome farm vehiclesCircus vehicles
Following cars are also exempt from ULEZ charges:
Nissan LeafHonda JazzSuzuki Sport SwiftFord Fiesta EcoBoostSkoda OctaviaToyota PriusVolkswagen GolfAudi A3 SportbackSEAT IbizaKia CeedRenault ZoeMINI ElectricHyundai Kona
What other exceptions to ULEZ are there?
It is possible to apply for a discount online, however there a certain documents needed to be entitled.
Some local residents and keepers of vehicles in a “disabled” tax class will be able to apply for discounts and temporary grace periods.
The temporary grace period exempts them for paying the ULEZ charge until October 24, 2027.
Blue badge holders still need to pay the charge if their vehicle falls outside the ULEZ emissions standards.
London-licenced taxis up to 15 years old are exempt.
Minicabs with wheelchair access also have the grace period until October 25, 2027, provided they are being used to carry out a private hire booking.
If you drive a minibus for a charity or school – excluding private schools – you can register for a limited grace period until October 26, 2025.
NHS patients might be able to get a reimbursement if they are too ill to travel by public transport to their appointments.
Some specialist farm vehicles, tanks, and diggers may also be exempt, as are certain showman’s vehicles.