Map of the ULEZ expansion
The much discussed expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), described by Sadiq Khan as a difficult but necessary decision, has come into effect.
From 29 August, the ULEZ covers all London boroughs – making the zone approximately 18 times larger than before.
The zone operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December).
There remains a daily charge of £12.50 for non-compliant vehicles.
Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, said: “The decision to expand the ULEZ London-wide was not an easy one for me to make, but it is necessary to reduce toxic air pollution, protect the health of Londoners and help tackle the climate emergency.”
London’s ULEZ was first introduced in April 2019, covering the same area of central London as the congestion charge.
Since 25 October last year it has included everywhere within the North and South Circular roads.
Proposals for the latest expansion were first unveiled in May 2022 and have been met with criticism from some quarters.
Five councils took the policy to the High Court but lost after the judge ruled the mayor’s expansion decision “was within his powers”.
Data shows nine in 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day are already compliant with ULEZ standards.
For those which aren’t compliant, the mayor has launched the UK’s largest-ever scrappage scheme, now open to all Londoners.
Under the scheme, all London residents with non-compliant vehicles can now apply to get £2,000 for scrapping a car or £1,000 for scrapping a motorcycle.
Alternatively, applicants can opt for a higher-value package of up to two bus and tram passes plus a lower grant.
The payment for wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) has also increased from £5,000 to £10,000 to scrap the vehicle, or £6,000 to retrofit the WAV to achieve ULEZ standards.
Mr Khan added: “I have continued to listen to the concerns of Londoners, and that’s why I’ve introduced the biggest vehicle scrappage scheme ever seen in the UK.
“Every single Londoner with a non-compliant car and motorbike is now eligible to get support.”
29 August 2023