London's ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) expanded on 29 August 2023. This means anyone driving within Greater London in a non-compliant vehicle will be subject to the daily ULEZ charge of £12.50. If you drive over two days (e.g. before and after midnight) you will be liable to pay two days charges.
The charge is applicable every day of the year, except Christmas Day, from 00:00 to 23:59. The charge is enforced by ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras situated within the zone. The charge applies to everyone driving a non-compliant vehicle, even residents of the ULEZ.
Vehicles parked within the zone, but not driven are not charged for the days when they are left parked.
The penalty for entering the London ULEZ in a non-compliant vehicle is £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days).
The ULEZ in London was first introduced in April 2019 and originally covered the same area as the Congestion Charge. In October 2021 it was expanded to cover a larger portion of central London, bordering inside the North Circular Road (A406) and the South Circular Road (A205). As of 29 August 2023, it was expanded further to cover 99% of the Greater London area, up to but not including the M25 motorway.
The ULEZ aims to improve air quality in the city, by reducing the number of highly polluting vehicles from entering the zone. It is estimated that around 40,000 people die each year from the effects of poor air quality in the UK.
In order to meet the standards required to avoid the ULEZ charge, petrol powered cars and vans must be registered with the DVLA as conforming to EURO 4 or above emission standards. Diesel vehicles must meet EURO 6 or above and motorcycles must meet EURO 3 or above.
Generally this means that most petrol cars built after 2006 and motorcycles registered since July 2007 should meet the standard required, but diesel vehicles will be worst affected, as they need to meet the much later EURO 6 standard, which typically doesn't apply to vehicles built before 2016 (and some later) so it is important that you CHECK your vehicle is compliant before entering the zone.
Fully electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles that are capable of travelling 20 miles on battery power alone, are exempt from the daily charge. In addition there are the following exemptions:
- London-licensed taxis
- The rolling 40-year period for vehicles able to register for historical tax classification will also apply to the ULEZ charge
- All vehicles built before 1 January 1973
- Vehicles operated by the Ministry of Defence
- Owners of registered disabled or disabled passenger vehicles are exempt from the ULEZ charge until October 2027. As are Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), blue badge holders, and drivers with disabled benefits
- Minibuses for community transport have a grace period until October 2025
How to pay:
Set up Auto Pay.
Pay online
Download the Android or Apple app
Pay by phone
UK: 0343 222 2222
International +44 343 2222222
Textphone: 020 7649 9123 (If you have impaired hearing)
Schemes and discounts:
London residents can apply to the scrappage scheme and receive a grant payment, or there is an option of a lower grant payment plus one or two Annual Bus and Tram Passes. Exclusive offers are available, as well as offers for all London residents.
