LONDON’S controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone policy was introduced in 2019 help improve air quality in the capital.
Though the charges, which apply to older, less environmentally-efficient vehicles, originally covered a small area in the very centre of London, they have since expanded greatly.
The ULEZ charge was first introduced in 2019 but has greatly expanded since then
Where is London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ, initially covered the Congestion Charge zone in central London, from the eastern edge of Hyde Park out to around Aldgate.
In October 2021, this changed and expanded to cover all parts of London within the North and South Circular roads.
Plans to greatly expand the ULEZ were ruled lawful by the High Court at the end of July 2023.
The expansion, which covers all Greater London boroughs was then put in place from August 29, 2023.
The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year – excluding Christmas Day on December 25.
Older vehicles that don’t meet tight emissions standards have to pay £12.50 every day they are used within the ULEZ.
The charge runs from midnight to midnight, meaning drivers will be charged for two days if their journey starts before midnight and travels into the next day.
Generally, pre-2015 diesels and pre-2006 petrol cars, as well as pre-2007 motorbikes, face the fees but you can check if your vehicle meets the standards or not on the TfL website.
To drive in the ULEZ, petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 standards on emissions, and diesels, as well as larger vehicles, must meet the Euro 6 standards.
Could I get fined?
Failure to pay the ULEZ charge will result in a fine of £160 for cars, vans and motorbikes.
This will be reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
TfL uses multiple cameras located all around the city of London and Greater London to manage the ULEZ zone, monitoring which cars enter and exit.
The cameras record number plates and then check them against their database to see if a motor needs to be charged for entering the zone.
The money made from the charges is being reinvested into improving transport networks across London, as well as making the city’s air cleaner.
How can I check if my vehicle is affected by ULEZ?
You can check online whether your vehicle complies with the low emissions standards or if you need to pay the ULEZ charge.
The check simply requires a driver inputting their vehicle’s number plate into the TfL website.
This can also be done at ulez.co.uk.
Can I get an exemption?
All vehicles constructed before 1 January 1973 are exempt from the ULEZ charge.
Owners of vehicles that are more than 40 years old can apply to be added to the historic vehicle tax class, meaning they do not need to pay the fees.
All fully electric cars are exempt from the ULEZ charge, regardless of age, but hybrid cars must follow the same rules as petrol and diesel vehicles.
London-licenced taxis – up to 15 years old – are also exempt from the ULEZ charge, as are some specialist farm vehicles, including tractors, mobile cranes, tanks, and diggers.
Minicabs with wheelchair access, used to carry out private hire bookings, have a grace period until October 26, 2025.
Drivers with vehicles registered with a disabled or disabled passenger tax class are also exempt from the ULEZ charge until that date.
Minibus drivers for a charity or school – excluding private schools – can also register for a limited grace period, but only until October 29, 2023.