Little-known loophole lets drivers beat the ULEZ charge – here’s how

DRIVERS are catching on to a little-known loophole which lets motorists beat the London UItra-Low Emission Zone.

The ULEZ is an area of London where only environmentally efficient cars are allowed to enter. 

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It was introduced in order to cut pollution and protect public health.

Drivers of most vehicles will need to pay a £12.50 charge, or find an alternative way to enter the capital. 

However, there is one way to dodge the fee – and look good doing it.

Classic and vintage cars are exempt from the crippling fee.

If your vehicle is more than 40 years old, you can apply for it to be added to the historic vehicle tax class. 

This status means that you no longer need to pay vehicle tax or the ULEZ charge when driving in London. 

All vehicles constructed before 1 January 1983 will be exempt from the ULEZ charge.

Cars that meet this criteria but that are registered outside of the UK can benefit from the same rules, but must be registered before being used in the zone.

If you’re not driving a classic, but your car is older than 2015, you will most likely have to pay the fee.

Petrol cars, along with vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles must meet Euro 4 emission standards, which were introduced in 2006 for normal cars.

Generally speaking, that means petrol cars first registered in 2005 or later will be eligible to enter the ULEZ zone free of charge.

Diesel cars have to meet the more stringent Euro 6 standards, which were introduced later.

Currently, the London ULEZ includes all areas within the North and South Circular Roads.

However, Khan revealed it will be expanded to include the whole of Greater London from August 29, 2023.

Once the changes have been made, Transport for London (TfL) reckons 160,000 cars and 42,000 vans will liable for the daily charge.