London Ultra Low Emission Zone expands

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London has expanded today, 25th October, to cover all areas within the North and South Circular – although the North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads are not in the zone.

London’s ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year (except Christmas Day) with the aim of helping to clean up the capital’s air.

The zone itself affects petrol and diesel vehicles including cars, vans, minibuses and lighter specialist vehicles, as well as motorcycles, mopeds, lorries, coaches and more. The minimum emission standards vehicles need to meet in order to drive inside ULEZ without incurring the £12.50 daily charge are Euro 4 standard for petrol and Euro 6 standard for diesel.

Even if you make a short trip inside the zone using a vehicle that doesn’t meet the ULEZ emissions standards, you’ll need to pay the £12.50 daily charge. However, you don’t need to pay the ULEZ charge if you are parked inside the zone and don’t drive.

When could you be charged and where?

As mentioned above, the ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, midnight to midnight, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25th December). Within the ULEZ, the Congestion Charge zone operates 07:00-22:00 every day of the year, except Christmas Day.

Lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, and buses, minibuses and coaches weighing over 5 tonnes do not need to pay the ULEZ charge. They will need to pay the LEZ charge if they do not meet the LEZ emissions standard. The LEZ operates 24 hours a day, midnight to midnight, every day of the year.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone now covers all areas within the North and South Circular.

The Congestion Charge zone

As of today, 25th October 2021, the cleaner vehicle discount within the Congestion Charge zone has also changed. Now, only battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are eligible.

From 25th December 2025, the cleaner vehicle discount will be discontinued: from this date, all vehicle owners, unless in receipt of another discount or exemption, will need to pay to enter the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours.

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