ULEZ Explained: How It Works, Charges, and Exemptions in the UK

Summary

• ULEZ charges £12.50 per day for non-compliant vehicles: Applies 24/7, every day of the year in Greater London.
• Most petrol cars from 2006+ and diesel cars from 2015+ are compliant: Check free on the TfL website.
• Scrappage schemes are available: London residents and small businesses can get £2,000+ for scrapping a non-compliant car.

London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expanded to cover all of Greater London in August 2023. Other UK cities are introducing their own clean air zones. Here's everything you need to know.

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What Is the ULEZ?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone is an area of London where vehicles must meet strict emission standards or pay a daily charge. It was introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to improve air quality.

Since 29 August 2023, ULEZ covers all London boroughs — everywhere within the M25. It operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

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What Does It Cost?

• Cars, motorcycles, and vans: £12.50 per day
• Lorries, buses, and coaches: £100 per day (under the separate LEZ scheme)
• Penalty for non-payment: £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days)

There's no annual pass or discount for frequent users. Every day you drive a non-compliant vehicle in the zone, you pay £12.50.

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Is My Car Compliant?

To avoid the charge, your vehicle must meet these emission standards:

• Petrol cars: Euro 4 or newer (generally cars registered from around 2006)
• Diesel cars: Euro 6 or newer (generally cars registered from around September 2015)
• Motorcycles and mopeds: Euro 3 or newer (generally from 2007)

The easiest way to check is on the TfL vehicle checker at tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle. Enter your registration number and it'll tell you instantly.

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Who Is Exempt?

• Electric vehicles: Fully exempt. No charge
• Vehicles registered with a disabled tax class: Exempt until 2027
• Military vehicles
• Historic vehicles: Vehicles with a historic tax class (generally pre-1977)
• Agricultural vehicles
• NHS patient transport

Some residents and small businesses qualify for grace periods or sunset periods. Check the TfL website for current exemptions.

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Scrappage Scheme

TfL offers a scrappage scheme to help Londoners switch to cleaner vehicles:

• Cars: £2,000 to scrap a non-compliant car
• Motorcycles: £1,000
• Wheelchair-accessible vehicles: £5,000
• Vans and minibuses (charities): £7,000-£9,500

You must live in a London borough, be registered with DVLA at a London address, and the vehicle must be in your name. Eligibility criteria and funding availability change, so check TfL's website for the latest.

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Clean Air Zones Outside London

Several other UK cities have introduced or are planning clean air zones:

• Birmingham: Class D CAZ charging non-compliant cars £8/day
• Bath: Class C zone (no charge for private cars, only commercial vehicles)
• Bristol: Small diesel ban zone plus wider Class D CAZ
• Bradford: Class C zone launched in 2022
• Sheffield: Class C zone

More cities may introduce zones in the coming years. If you regularly drive into city centres, it's worth checking whether your car meets Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol standards.

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What Are Your Options?

1. Check compliance first: Your car might already be compliant. Don't panic until you've checked
2. Use public transport: If you're only driving into London occasionally, take the train or bus instead
3. Apply for the scrappage scheme: If eligible, use the payment towards a compliant car
4. Buy a compliant used car: A Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol car doesn't have to be new
5. Go electric: EVs are exempt from all emission charges and benefit from lower running costs

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