London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone to be introduced early…

In the latest attempt to battle against air pollution across London, Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced that London’s new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will introduced on April 8 2019 – a year earlier than previously anticipated.

Khan stated: “Just as in the 1950s, air pollution in London today is literally killing Londoners. But unlike the smoky pollution of the past, today’s pollution is a hidden killer. Urgent action is now needed to ensure Londoners no longer have to fear the very air we breathe.”

So, what’s ULEZ?

Basically, it’s an Ultra Low Emission Zone in which all buses, cars, coaches, heavy goods vehicles, minibuses, motorcycles and vans must meet previously-agreed exhaust emission standards – or pay a daily charge to travel within it (for bikes it’s expected be a similar price to the current congestion charge – around £12.50).

In London, the ULEZ will be in addition to the city’s existing Congestion Charge – but will be in operation 24/7, including on weekends and public holidays.

And where is the ULEZ?

Initially, London’s ULEZ will operate within the same area as the city’s current Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ).

And how can I conform to the ULEZ?

To conform to London’s ULEZ standards, without facing a charge, you’ll need to be driving/riding one of the following:

A diesel engine car, minibus or van which is of Euro 6 ULEZ standard.

A petrol engine car, minibus or van which is of Euro 4 standard.

A motorcycle, moped or a similar vehicle which is of Euro 3 standard.

A HGV, bus or coach which is of Euro VI ULEZ standard.

And if your vehicle fails to meet the ULEZ standards, you’ll need to pay a daily charge in order to drive through the zone.

It’s also worth noting that there will be no barriers or toll booths as part of the ULEZ scheme. Instead, cameras will be used throughout the zone — which will read vehicle number plates and check them against a database made up of information from the DVSA, vehicle manufacturers and both drivers and operators registered with the TfL. And if you’re found to be driving a vehicle which does not meet the ULEZ standards and have failed to pay the daily charge, you’ll be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice.

And what about discounts or exemptions?

There are a handful of specialist vehicles that will be exempt from paying the standard charges of the ULEZ: Agricultural vehicles, certain types of mobile cranes, Military vehicles, non-road going vehicles which can drive on a highway (excavators, for instance), vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1973. And, drivers of any vehicle that has a ‘historic’ vehicle tax class will also not need to pay the ULEZ standard charge.

For more information about the ULEZ, visit:  www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone