The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) came into force in central London on Monday 8 April 2019.
Drivers of older, more polluting vehicles are being charged to enter the congestion zone area at any time. Transport for London (TfL) hopes the move will reduce the number of polluting cars in the capital, and estimates about 40,000 vehicles will be affected every day.
Most vehicles which are not compliant will have to pay £12.50 for entering the area each day, in addition to the congestion charge. Anybody who does not pay the charge will face a fine of £160, although a first offence may result in only a warning letter.
Broadly speaking the vehicles which are non-compliant 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)
- Buses, coaches and lorries will need to meet or exceed the Euro 6 standards or pay £100 a day
TfL estimates the initial scheme will lead to a reduction in toxic emissions from road transport by about 45% in two years.
For more information and to check specific vehicles, visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle-35896
