‘Major milestone’ for ULEZ as preparations for expansion ramp up

Transport for London has stepped up preparations for the expansion of the Capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, with the installation of new infrastructure.

First launched in April 2019, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) currently covers the same area as the Congestion Charge Zone – and is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

TfL says the number of vehicles meeting the required emissions standards in the central zone has risen from 39% in February 2017, to more than 80%.

Under current plans, the ULEZ will be expanded to cover the entire area between the North and South Circular roads in 2021.

TfL says the larger zone is vital to ensure that as London recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, one public health crisis is not replaced with another.

It has stepped up its preparations, with the installation of the first new cameras.

The area covered by the existing ULEZ has around 650 cameras. The new zone will be 18 times the size, but new technology means only around 750 additional cameras will need to be installed.

Alex Williams, TfL’s director of city planning, said: “We are fully committed to cleaning up London’s toxic air, and expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone will play a key role in discouraging people from driving heavily polluting vehicles.

“This will help people to breathe more easily and create a more liveable city. We have already seen significant falls in the most toxic emissions in central London and now see most vehicles meeting the tough standards in the heart of the Capital.

“We expect to see the benefits felt by people across the city when the zone enlarges and are providing financial support for small businesses and the most vulnerable to help them make the green transition.”


07 August 2020