Everything you need to know about the expanded London Ultra Low Emission Zone: why, where, when and if it will affect your business.
On Tuesday August 29, the boundaries of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) were redrawn, taking in all London boroughs currently outside the existing zone, some of which reach up to and beyond the M25.
The old zone goes as far as the North and South Circular Roads, and included 44% of Londoners – around 4 million people. The new boundary, however, encompasses almost everyone else, and cars, motorbikes and vans will need to meet the same regulations that have been in place previously.
After a recent ruling by the High Court that the London ULEZ could go ahead, we take a closer look at what has happened with ULEZ and why, and how it may impact business operations vehicles in London, to help you now that the change has gone live.
Why is the expansion happening?
The original ULEZ was put in place to improve air quality in central London, as pollution was deemed to be beyond legal limits. Evidence submitted by Transport for London (TfL) last year claimed the scheme is working.
Since 2019, TfL estimates the ULEZ has led to road traffic nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions reducing by 13,500 tonnes, a reduction of 23 per cent, NOx emissions dropping by 5,000 tonnes (26 per cent), fine particulate matter by 180 tonnes (7 per cent) and CO2 emissions by 800,000 tonnes (3 per cent). TfL says ‘this is above what was predicted for the scheme’.
The success of the scheme has prompted this further expansion in 2023, with Mayor Sadiq Khan saying: “The latest evidence shows that air pollution is making us sick from cradle to the grave. The ULEZ so far has been transformational, reducing harmful pollution levels by almost a half in central London. Expanding ULEZ is the right choice for our city and something that I know will help us to continue building a better, greener, fairer and healthier London for everyone.”
What does it cost to enter the ULEZ?
If your vehicles are compliant, then it costs nothing to enter the ULEZ. If they aren’t, then you can pay by midnight on the third day following the journey, or up to 90 days in advance. The daily charge is £12.50 for cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes).
Fleets can set up an ‘autopay’ system for their vehicles to pay ULEZ (and Low Emission Zone - of which more later) charges automatically every month. You can find how to apply here.
If you don’t pay within the allotted time, a penalty charge could apply, which is £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
What vehicles are compliant for the ULEZ?
Here is a guide to what vehicles can enter the ULEZ without needing to pay a charge. While this gives a general idea, it’s really important to check every vehicle to avoid being given a penalty.
Cars
Included in ULEZ compliance? Yes
Emissions limits: Euro 4 (Petrol) ULEZ Euro 6 (Diesel)
Compliance in current: ULEZ 94.4%
Motorbikes
Included in ULEZ compliance? Yes
Emissions limits: Euro 3
Compliance in current ULEZ: 97.3%
Smaller vans
Included in ULEZ compliance? Yes
Emissions limits: Euro 4 (Petrol) Euro 6 (Diesel)
Compliance in current ULEZ: 85%
Larger vans and minibuses
(vans up to and including 3.5 t, minibuses up to and including 5t)
Included in ULEZ compliance? Yes
Emissions limits: Euro 4 (Petrol) Euro 6 (Diesel)
Compliance in current ULEZ: 85%
Heavy diesel vehicles
(incl. buses and coaches over 5t and HGVs and other heavy vehicles over 3.5t)
Included in ULEZ compliance? No - LEZ instead
Emissions limits: Euro VI
Compliance in current ULEZ: N/A
Taxis (Black cabs)
Included in ULEZ compliance? No - Taxi licensing instead
Emissions limits: All new taxis required to be “Zero Emission Capable” since 2018 and are subject to age limits and other restrictions to reduce emissions
Compliance in current ULEZ: N/A
How many vehicles are compliant?
TfL reckons its data shows that ULEZ compliance rates are increasing, with around nine out of 10 vehicles in the zone having met the standards required by the end of 2022. When the first zone was set up in 2017, it says just 39 per cent were compliant.
Cars show the highest levels of compliance, at about 94 per cent, while around 85 per cent of commercial vehicles also hit the accepted emissions standards.
In total, during measurements taken in November 2022, of just under 780,000 vehicles 701,640 were compliant.
What is the scrappage scheme?
As part of the ULEZ expansion plans, some businesses and charities may be eligible to scrap or retrofit a non-compliant van which came into effect from 21st August 2023.
What’s the difference between the Ultra Low Emission Zone and the Low Emission Zone?
Geographically, nothing. But the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has been in place since 2008, and is only for large and heavy commercial vehicles.
In March 2021 tougher emission standards for the LEZ started and include Euro VI for buses, coaches, HGVs and vans over 3.5 tonnes (vehicles registered new from September 2016), and Euro 3 for particulate matter only for vans between 1.2 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes and minibuses under 5t (vehicles registered new from January 2001).
Vehicles not reaching these standards incur a charge of £100 per day and operators of heavy vehicles that do not meet the lower Euro IV standard must pay a higher charge of £300 per day.
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