Clean air is essential for the health and well-being of residents in urban areas like London. The quality of the air we breathe directly impacts our respiratory system, cardiovascular health, and overall quality of life. The ULEZ serves as a crucial tool in promoting cleaner air by targeting high-polluting vehicles and incentivising the use of low-emission alternatives. By understanding the benefits of clean air and the positive impact of ULEZ, the government hopes to create a healthier and more sustainable future for the residents of London.
What is the ULEZ?
The Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) was brought in on 2019 to reduce the number of high-polluting cars entering the City of London, and it currently stretches as far as the North and South Circular roads. It operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. In October 2021, the ULEZ was expanded. It now covers the same area as the existing Congestion Charge Zone, which encompasses central London, including areas like the City of London, Westminster, and parts of Camden, Lambeth, and Southwark. The zone will expand further on 29 August 2023 to cover almost all areas within the M25, including local BR postcodes.
The charges
If your car isn’t ULEZ compliant, you’ll have to pay a fee to enter the ULEZ zone. It currently costs £12.50 for cars, motorcycles and vans, and £100 for larger vehicles such as lorries and coaches.
ULEZ compliances
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone mainly targets older vehicles. If you have a petrol engine car, it needs to meet Euro 4 emissions standards to be ULEZ compliant. Euro 4 was introduced on every car built from 2005 onwards. The rules are tougher on diesel models, as they need to meet Euro 6 emissions standards to be exempt from ULEZ charges. Euro 6 covers all diesel cars built after 2015. Electric vehicles are exempt.
To check if a vehicle is ULEZ compliant, you can use this online checking tool. Enter your vehicle registration number to find out if it meets the ULEZ standards.
Options for older cars
If you have a non-compliant vehicle, there are options which you could consider that will allow you to be I’d of the vehicle. These options include:
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Sell privately
Advertise your car for sale privately, either online or through traditional means.
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Trade-in
Contact local car dealerships to explore trade-in options when purchasing a new or used compliant vehicle.
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Scrap or recycle
If your old car is no longer roadworthy, you can arrange for it to be scrapped or recycled through authorised facilities. Some scrapyards may even offer a small payment for the scrap value of the vehicle.
With cleaner air comes improved respiratory health, reduced cardiovascular risks, and a better overall quality of life for those in London. By embracing ULEZ and its commitment to cleaner air, we are all taking a significant stride towards a healthier, greener, and more liveable London for generations to come. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team here at Double Dee Autos.