14th January 2021
On 25 October 2021 the Ultra Low Emission Zone will be expanding.
In London, air pollution remains the largest environmental risk to health for its residents. Many areas across the city still exceed the legal limits for pollution, which is why from 25 October 2021, the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding to create a single, larger zone. The expanding zone will include up to the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205), with the North and South Circular Roads themselves not in the zone. TFL have also created an interactive map where you can check to see if postcodes, locations or landmarks will be within the expanded area. You can view the location checker here: ULEZ expansion zone
The expanded ULEZ will continue to operate 24/7, including weekends (other than Christmas Day). Cars, motorcycles, vans and other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes) will need to meet the required ULEZ emissions standards when driving within and into the expanded zone, or pay the daily charge of £12.50 (lighter vehicles), or £100 (heavy vehicles). In addition, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) can be issued to both UK and non-UK registered vehicles driving within the ULEZ, if the appropriate daily charge is not paid and the vehicle does not meet the emission standards.
The good news- 4 out of 5 vehicles already meet the ULEZ emissions standards. Unsure if your vehicles meet the requirements, you can use the TFL vehicle checker.
If you vehicle does not meet the necessary requirements, you may consider other ways of meeting the standards such as replacing your vehicle, retrofitting your vehicle, Vans and diesel particulate filters or emission reduction technology. For more information: Ways to meet the LEZ standards – Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
There is also a list of vehicles and drivers who are eligible to apply for a temporary discount, or are entirely exempt. Reimbursement scheme to claim a refund is also available to NHS patients. More information about discounts and exemptions could be found on Discounts and exemptions – Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
For information regarding Amendments, refunds and reimbursements follow the link Amendments, refunds and reimbursements – Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
Scrappage Schemes are also designed to help drivers scrap their vehicles, which do not meet the ULEZ emission standard. The grants are available for scraping cars and motorcycles, vans and minibus, as well as heavy vehicles. To find out more about the schemes, including eligibility, application process and submitting evidence of scrap or retrofit, follow the link Scrappage schemes – Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
All Electric Vehicles (EV) are exempt from ULEZ, due to their zero direct emissions. Switching to an EV provides other long-term benefits for drivers such as cost reductions and improved driving experience. In addition, the UK government is also providing a support by offering grants and incentives. For more information contact us directly, or visit our KINTO Charged Electric Vehicle Hub