ULEZ expansion locations explained

IN July 2023, Sadiq Khan confirmed that the ULEZ expansion will definitely go ahead.

Here we take a look at what the ULEZ expansion is, where it will cover and what charges will be applied.

2

What is the ULEZ expansion?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone, also known as the ULEZ, is expanding from August 2023.

According to Transport for London: ”The aim of the ULEZ is to improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles in London that don’t meet emissions standards.

”94% of vehicles seen driving in the current zone now meet the strict emissions standards on an average day, significantly higher than the 39% in 2017 when the ULEZ was first announced. 

”This has helped to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide pollution by nearly half in central London.”

Unlike the Congestion Charge, the ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year – excluding Christmas Day on December 25.

Where will the ULEZ expansion cover?

The ULEZ initially covered the Congestion Charge zone in central London, from the eastern edge of Hyde Park out to around Aldgate.

However, from August 29, 2023, the expansion will cover the entirety of Greater London.

2

Discussing the near-future expansion, Mr Khan said: ”The decision to expand the ULEZ was very difficult and not something I took lightly and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have.

”The ULEZ has already reduced toxic nitrogen dioxide air pollution by nearly half in central London and a fifth in inner London.

”The coming expansion will see five million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air.”

How much is the ULEZ charge?

Drivers will be whacked with a daily charge if their vehicle doesn’t meet green standards.

Older vehicles, including motorbikes, that don’t meet the tighter emissions standards have to pay £12.50 every day they are used within the ULEZ.

The charge runs from midnight to midnight which means you will be charged for two days if your journey started before midnight and travels into the next day.

As a rule of thumb, the vehicles affected include pre-2015 diesels and pre-2006 petrol cars.

You can easily check if yours falls foul on the ULEZ website.

A £110 million scrappage scheme has been set up to help small businesses, charities and households in receipt of child benefit or universal credit get rid of non-compliant vehicles.

But motorists have complained that the £2,000 on offer doesn’t come anywhere close to the cost of replacing their cars.

According to TFL: ”Any money received from the scheme is reinvested into running and improving London’s transport network, such as expanding bus routes in outer London.”