With less than a week remaining before the introduction of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) – on Monday, April 8 – we want to provide you with some key information about the cost implications and how these changes will affect your drivers if they are going to be driving in the capital.
Why is the government introducing ULEZ zones?
To help tackle air pollution which – particularly in urban areas – is posing the greatest environmental risk to public health in the UK and has been reported as being responsible for 40,000 deaths a year. It is the second largest cause of avoidable mortality after smoking and costs the country £20 billion per annum.
Which vehicles will be affected?
Most vehicles, including cars, vans, and HGVs, will need to meet new, tighter exhaust emission standards or pay a daily charge to travel within the ULEZ.
Electric Vehicles:
• All electric vehicles will be exempt from the charges.
Cars:
• Any petrol or hybrid petrol car not conforming to Euro 4 emission standards – generally those registered with the DVLA after 2005
• Any diesel or hybrid diesel car not conforming to Euro 6 emission standards – generally those registered with the DVLA after September 2015
Vans & Minibuses:
• Any petrol van not conforming to Euro 4 emission standards – generally those registered with the DVLA after 2005
• Any diesel van not conforming to Euro 6 emission standards – generally those registered with the DVLA after September 2015
Motorcycles & Mopeds:
• Any vehicle not conforming to Euro 3 emission standards
• Motorcycles & Mopeds that meet the standards are generally those registered with the DVLA after July 2007
HGVs & large commercial vehicles:
• Any vehicle not conforming to to Euro VI emission standards
• Lorries and large commercial vehicles that meet the standards are generally those registered with the DVLA after 2014
To check if these charges will apply to your car use the Transport for London (TfL) ULEZ vehicle compliance checker here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/vrm-checker-ulez
Some other drivers and vehicles will qualify for at least a temporary discount from the ULEZ charge. A full list of exemptions and discounts is also available here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/discounts-and-exemptions
How much will it cost?
For non-compliant vehicles ULEZ charges will be:
• £12.50 per day for cars, vans, motorcycles and mopeds
• £100 per day for commercial vehicles above 3.5 tonnes, including HGVs, buses and coaches
• These charges are in addition to the Congestion Charge
When will the ULEZ apply?
From Monday, April 8 the scheme will operate 24 hours per day, seven days per week within the current Congestion Charging area.
From October 2021 the ULEZ will expand to an area covering inside London’s North and South circular roads.
Will a penalty apply if I don’t pay?
Yes, TfL use automatic number plate recognition cameras which will detect entry into the zone. Failure to pay will result in a penalty charge notice (PCN) of £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
How do I pay?
TfL offers a variety of payment methods which will suit different drivers depending on how frequently they drive into Central London:
• Auto Pay – this will be expanded to include ULEZ payments.
Already have Auto Pay? Then you don’t need to do anything. A £10 admin charge per vehicle will be applicable.
• Pay online via the TfL website from April 8
• TfL Smartphone app and pay from 8 April 2019
• Pay by phone
o UK: 0343 222 2222 (TfL call charges)
o Textphone: 020 7649 9123 (if you have impaired hearing)
If you require anything else please don’t hesitate to contact our team who will be happy to assist you.