4th January 2024

London: Low Emission Zone, Ultra Low Emission Zone and Congestion Charge

Traffic at London during the night

The London Low Emission Zone (LEZ), Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Congestion Charge are initiatives implemented by the city of London to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

The aim is to encourage individuals and businesses to switch to cleaner, low-emission vehicles or alternative modes of transport such as cycling or public transportation.

It is important for vehicle owners who frequently travel into London to check whether their vehicle meets the required emissions standards before entering either zone. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or penalties.

 

The LEZ was introduced in 2008 and has been gradually expanded to cover all London boroughs. Its purpose is to discourage the use of high-polluting vehicles, particularly heavy goods vehicles, buses, and coaches that do not meet certain emission standards.

Charging times:

24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Daily charge:

  • £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.

LEZ zone location:

All roads within Greater London, those at Heathrow and parts of the M1 and M4 are included. However, the M25 is not included (even where it passes within the GLA boundary). Look out for signs at the boundary and side of the road to see where LEZ applies.

 

If you drive within the charging zone during the charging times, you may need to pay the Congestion Charge and/or Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), even if you meet the LEZ emissions standards or have paid the daily LEZ charge.

LEZ charges do not apply to vehicles when they’re parked within the zone and not being driven.

ULEZ was launched in April 2019. Vehicles that meet Euro 4 emission standards for petrol cars and Euro 6 emission standards for diesel cars are exempt from paying the daily charge.

Charging times:

24 hours a day, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December).

ULEZ daily charge:

  • £12.50 per car, moped or motorbike.
  • HGVs, buses and coaches must meet the ‘Euro VI’ standard (effective from 2014) or pay a £100 daily charge.

ULEZ zone location:

The area covers all London boroughs and the City of London.

 

Lorries, vans or specialist heavy vehicles (all over 3.5 tonnes) and buses, minibuses and coaches (all over 5 tonnes) do not need to pay the ULEZ charge. They will need to pay the LEZ charge if they do not meet the LEZ emissions standard.

Launched in 2003, the Congestion Charge is a fee for driving in central London at certain times of the day. It aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Charging times:

From 07:00 – 18:00 Monday to Friday, 12:00 – 18:00 Saturday to Sunday, and bank holidays. There is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank holiday (inclusive).

Daily charge:

£15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone during the charging times.

Congestion Charge zone

The area covers all London boroughs and the City of London.

 

 

Check your vehicle if it meets the emission and safety standards required to drive in London, or if you need to pay a daily charge.