To help improve air quality, an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year within the same area of central London as the Congestion Charge. Most vehicles, including cars and vans, need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards or their drivers must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.
Air pollution is currently a significant challenge facing London and a high priority issue for residents. The ULEZ is being introduced to improve the air we breathe by bringing in measures to encourage more efficient freight deliveries, more walking and more use of public transport.
What vehicles are affected?
Vans, lorries, coaches, buses, cars, motorbikes and all other vehicles will need to meet the new, stricter emission standards, or pay the daily ULEZ charge. This is in addition to the weekday Congestion Charge. It will replace the T-Charge (officially known as the Emissions Surcharge) which was introduced in October 2017.
You can check if your vehicle will be affected by the ULEZ by using this free online vehicle checker.
You can also check which areas fall within the charging zone using this post code checker.
Some drivers and vehicles qualify for a temporary discount or full exemption from the ULEZ charge. You can see a full list of the charges, discounts and exemptions, as well as other information about the ULEZ, at TfL’s website.
Fees
£12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles and vans (up to and including 3.5 tonnes)
£100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses/coaches (over 5 tonnes)
All trucks entering the ULEZ have to comply with at least the Euro VI emissions standards and be registered in advance on the ULEZ database, or must pay a 100 pounds daily charge. If they do neither, they will face a penalty of 1,000 pounds – this is in addition to any LEZ penalty.