The new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has come into force in central London – on what is being described as a ‘landmark day’ for the Capital.
The first part of London’s ULEZ covers the existing Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ) and will be in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It replaces the T-Charge and operates in addition to the CCZ – meaning those travelling in affected areas during the Congestion Charge’s operating time (7am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) will have to pay both tolls.
Vehicles affected will have to pay an extra £12.50 – with charges calculated on the emissions a vehicle produces, rather than its age.
Anybody who does not pay the charge will face a fine of £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days).
Vehicles can be checked using TfL’s online checker but generally, those impacted by the new ULEZ are:
- Motorbikes that do not meet Euro 3 standards (pre-2007 vehicles)
- Petrol cars and vans that do not meet Euro 4 standards (vehicles pre-2006)
- Diesel cars and vans that do not meet Euro 6 standards (vehicles pre-2015)
Meanwhile, buses, coaches and lorries will need to meet or exceed the Euro 6 standards or pay £100 a day to operate within the ULEZ.
Under current plans, the ULEZ will be expanded to cover the entire area between the North and South Circular roads in 2021.
‘The world’s toughest vehicle emissions standard’
The new ULEZ is designed to help reduce toxic air pollution and improve public health across the Capital.
TfL estimates the initial scheme will lead to a reduction in toxic emissions from road transport by about 45% in two years.
Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said:
“This is a landmark day for our city.
“Our toxic air is an invisible killer responsible for one of the biggest national health emergencies of our generation. I simply refuse to be yet another politician who ignores it.
“The ULEZ is the centrepiece of our plans to clean up London’s air – the boldest plans of any city on the planet, and the eyes of the world are on us.
“This is also about social justice – people in the most deprived parts of London, who are least likely to own a car, suffer the worst effects of harmful air pollution.
“I will not stand by and watch children grow up with underdeveloped lungs in our city. The ULEZ is a vital step towards helping combat London’s illegal air.”
Alex Williams, TfL’s director of city planning, said:
“The introduction of the ULEZ is a central and crucial part of the fight to improve London’s air for the benefit of everyone’s health, and it is great to see that so many drivers and businesses have already taken action to make sure their vehicles are compliant.”
8 April 2019