What’s changed?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) replaced the T-Charge on 8 April 2019.
Drivers entering the capital in vehicles that don’t comply with new emissions standards will have to pay a fee 24 hours a day, 7 days a week every day of the year. The aim is to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels to within the legal limit in the shortest time possible.
Is the ULEZ different to the congestion charge?
Yes, the ULEZ fee is in addition to the congestion charge.
The congestion charge is a £15 daily charge for driving a vehicle within the charging zone between 7am and 10pm, every day except Christmas Day (25th December).
Minimum emission standards:
- Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
- Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
- Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
- Euro VI (NOx and PM) for lorries, buses and coaches and other specialist heavy vehicles
Find out more about the standards here.
What are the fees?
- £12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles and vans (up to and including 3.5 tonnes)
- £100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses/coaches (over 5 tonnes)
When to pay
You can pay by midnight on the day of the journey or up to 90 days in advance.
The future
From 25 October 2021 the ULEZ boundary will be expanding from central London to create a single, larger zone up to, but not including, the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).
Useful links
References: tfl.gov.uk, BVRLA