Major change to ULEZ charges could see drivers targeted in new ways – here’s all you need to know

A MAJOR change to ULEZ charges could see drivers targeted in new ways – here’s how to avoid getting caught out.

Mayor Sadiq Khan has asked Transport for London to look into using ULEZ cameras to charge car users in a “pay-as-you-drive” scheme in the capital. 

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It comes as the London Mayor previously announced a £110m scheme to help households prepare for the ULEZ expansion that kicks in on August 29.

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.

And the Mayor has now admitted TfL is also looking into developing a scheme in which more ‘”sophisticated technology” could be used to charge road users, reports The Telegraph.

Speaking at the London Assembly this week in response to a question, he added: “ANPR cameras could form part of the potential operation of such a scheme but no proposals have been developed.”

As part of the ULEZ expansion, TfL is planning to erect around 2,750 additional cameras – with 300 already installed across some boroughs.

Cameras introduced as part of the ULEZ expansion could be used to monitor the distances drivers travel, where they are travelling and the level of emissions their vehicles emit.

Road user charging plans are being lined up to eventually replace the Ulez and Congestion charges, with drivers potentially charged by the mile. 

But a spokesperson for Mr Khan stressed that the road user charging scheme is just one of multiple options being assessed.

And they added that the Mayor would look at the availability of public transport in the given area, along with employment and income.

A statement read: “Any formal proposals which could be developed in the future would be subject to consultation with information provided on detailed scheme proposals and their likely impacts.”

The ULEZ was introduced in London in 2019 and initially covered the same area as the Congestion Zone.

In October 2021 it then expanded to include all areas inside the North and South Circulars.

At the time, the RAC’s head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said the changes are “a hammer-blow for desperate drivers and businesses already struggling with crippling fuel costs”.

Drivers entering the ULEZ in a car without the required emissions standards and failing to pay the £12.50 daily charge will be fined up to £160.

Currently, petrol cars and vans rated at least Euro 4 and diesel cars and vans rated at least Euro 6 can enter London’s ULEZ free of charge.

Motorbikes and mopeds need to meet at least Euro 3 status.

To find out if you need to pay, head to TfL’s website.