The Ultra Low Emission Zone in London has been in effect since 8 April 2019. Separate to the congestion charge, the ULEZ is an area of central London where drivers of more polluting vehicles are subject to a fee.
One of the first UK cities to introduce an emission based charging area, London plans to expand the ULEZ boundary in August 2023.
This guide covers all the current rules, locations and fees and also provides all you need to know ahead of the expansion.
As it stands, the Ultra Low Emission Zone covers the area within the North and South circular roads, including Harringay, Newham, Southwark, Hammersmith and Redbridge. While they act as a boundary, the North and South circular are not included in the zone.
The ULEZ expansion will come into effect on the 29th August 2023. At which time the zone will cover all 32 London boroughs including Bexley, Orpington and Biggin Hill in Kent. Below is the full list of areas that will be including in the charging zone.
ULEZ applies to all motorcycles, cars, vans (up to 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to 5 tonnes) that don’t meet the ULEZ standards. Drivers of these vehicles will need to pay a daily charge of £12.50 for driving into the zone.
Drivers of larger vehicles such as buses over 5 tonnes and HGVs, are already subject to the LEZ charge and do not have to pay an additional ULEZ charge. More on this in the next section below.
The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) covers a wider area than the ULEZ and only impacts drivers of the most polluting larger vehicles, such as HGVs and buses over 5 tonnes, that don’t meet the euro VI emissions standards. The LEZ includes all areas of Greater London, but excludes the M25 completely.
The charge is as follows:
The above vehicles that meet the LEZ standards – do not need to pay the ULEZ charge, regardless of whether they meet the ULEZ standards.
If you drive within the ULEZ boundary and don’t meet the ULEZ standards, then you will automatically be subjected to the £12.50 daily charge.
You can sign up to pay automatically using the TFL website, in order to avoid missing a payment. Or you can pay online (also via. the tfl website) as and when you drive within the zone. You must pay the fee within 3 days of entering the zone, otherwise you may be subject to a penalty charge. You can also pay up to 90 days in advance of entering the zone.
There are a number of temporary and permanent exemptions from ULEZ charges. These include some vehicles used to carry passengers with disabilities, specialist and historic vehicles, London licensed taxis and NHS patients. We’ve listed who is eligible for exemptions and discounts below. You can register your vehicle and apply for the discounts on the tfl website.
Historic and specialist vehicles that are registered in the UK are automatically exempt, whereas those registered outside of the UK will need to apply for an exemption. All showman vehicles, both UK and non-UK, will need to register with tfl for the discount.
All taxis with a London license are exempt from ULEZ charges. However, taxis of Euro 3, 4 and 5 standards are only able to operate if they are up to 12 years old. Other taxis, such as Euro 6 and Zero Emission capable vehicles, can operate if they are up to 15 years old.
NHS patients that need to drive through the ULEZ boundary and are unable to get public transport for their appointment, may be able to claim back the ULEZ charge. Patients will need to pay the charge initially, but can apply for a reimbursement from the hospital that treated them.
Minibuses that are used for community transport for not-for-profit organisations, such as state schools, charities and local authorities will not have to pay ULEZ charges until 26 October 2025. Those eligible can register to receive a 100% discount on charges on the tfl website.
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