LONDON LOW EMISSION ZONE

Drivers of older vehicles in particular are increasingly likely to face extra charges for driving in the capital.

• There’s been a Low Emission Zone covering most of Greater London affecting mainly commercial vehicles since 2008.
• An Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) affecting all vehicle types apart from black taxis and covering the existing Congestion Charge area has been operating since 8 April 2019.

Low Emission Zone

• Runs 24/7.
• Number-plate recognition tracks entry.
• It began in 2008 for large, commercially operated diesel vehicles like buses, lorries and coaches.
• £100 for vans or specialist diesel vehicles (over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) or minibuses (up to 5 tonnes) which do not meet Euro 3 standards. 
• £100 for HGVs, lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes as well as buses/minibuses and coaches over 5 tonnes which do not meet Euro 4 (NOx and PM) standards, but meet Euro 4 (PM).
• £300 for HGVs, lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes as well as buses/minibuses and coaches over 5 tonnes which do not meet Euro 4 (PM) standards. 

Is your vehicle affected by the LEZ?

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

The ULEZ  started on Monday 8 April 2019 and, was expanded in October 2021 to cover the areas within (but not including) London's North and South Circular roads. In August 2023 it was further expanded to cover the 99% of the area Greater London area, up to but not including the M25 motorway.

• Runs 24/7 and the daily charge will be £12.50 per car, moped or motorbike
• This charge is on top of the LEZ and the Congestion Charge but replaces the T-Charge.
• Exemptions:
  • petrol cars, vans and minibuses that meet the Euro 4 standard
  • diesels that meet the Euro 6 standard
  • motorbikes/mopeds that meet the Euro 3 standard
• HGVs, buses and coaches must meet the ‘Euro VI’ standard (effective from 2014) or pay a £100 daily charge

This means that the oldest car you can drive in the ULEZ without paying is a 4 or 5-year-old diesel or a 13 or 14-year-old petrol. 

More about the ULEZ.

15 November 2023