THE Ultra Low Emission Zone policy has proved controversial for drivers across the city of London and Greater London.
The project, backed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, has seen many people facing hefty charges for carrying out car journeys essential to their everyday lives.
What is the ULEZ?
The ULEZ is an environmental policy that was introduced in 2019 to cut pollution and protect public health.
It originally started as a small patch in the very centre of London but has expanded to a vast area encompassing most of the city.
Only modern, efficient cars are allowed to enter the Ultra Low Emission Zones for free under the policy.
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Drivers of older vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, vans, and specialist vehicles and minibuses up to a certain weight, need to pay a daily £12.50 charge or find an alternative route.
Who has to pay the ULEZ charge?
The targets of the ULEZ charge are older cars that are likely to be more damaging to the environment than newer vehicles.
Newer cars that meet the ULEZ standards are allowed into the zone for free.
Rules differ slightly for petrol cars, diesel cars, and motorcycles.
If drivers forget or fail to pay the daily ULEZ charge, they could be slapped with a £160 fine.
If paid within fourteen days, this is reduced to £80.
What are the ULEZ standards?
To meet the ULEZ emissions standards, a vehicle must meet the required Euro emissions standard for its vehicle and emission type.
The Euro standards are a group of emissions controls with set limits on polluting nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from engines.
Petrol cars, along with vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles first registered in 2005 or later are eligible to enter the ULEZ zone free of charge.
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This is because they meet Euro 4 emission standards.
Diesel cars, meanwhile, have to meet the more stringent Euro 6 standards, which were introduced later, in 2015.
This means most diesel cars first registered in 2015 or later can travel in the ULEZ without the £12.50 daily fee.
Petrol or diesel cars that were first registered before these dates may not be compliant and could be subject to charges.
Motorcycles must meet Euro 3 emissions standards, which were made mandatory in 2007.
Mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles registered before then may not be compliant.
You can use the ULEZ compliance check on the TfL website to verify whether or not your car is exempt from the charges.
Will I have to pay the ULEZ charge for my brand-new car?
Most motorists driving cars built recently will be able to travel into the ULEZ area for free.
Specialist vehicles, however, and some cars that have been individually imported from abroad may still have to pay.
My car is old - do I have to pay the ULEZ charge?
Owners of vehicles that are more than 40 years old can apply to be added to the historic vehicle tax class.
This means that they no longer need to pay vehicle tax or the ULEZ charge.
All vehicles constructed before 1 January 1973 are exempt from the ULEZ charge.
Cars that meet this criteria but are registered outside of the UK can benefit from the same rules.
Owners should ensure these vehicles are registered before they are used in the ULEZ.
Do I have to pay the ULEZ if I drive an electric car?
All fully electric cars are exempt from the ULEZ charge, regardless of age.
Any vehicle that has been properly converted and registered as a battery car is also exempt.
Are hybrid cars exempt from the ULEZ charge?
Hybrid cars do not follow the same rules as electric cars when it comes to the ULEZ charge.
The majority of hybrids will be exempt from the charge, though drivers of some older models - such as the original Toyota Prius - will have to pay.
Petrol-electric hybrid cars follow the same rules as normal petrol cars and must be Euro 4 compliant, while diesel-electric hybrid cars must be compliant with the Euro 6 standards.
What other exceptions to ULEZ are there?
London-licenced taxis up to 15 years old are exempt from the ULEZ charge.
Minicabs with wheelchair access have a grace period until October 26, 2025, provided they are being used to carry out a private hire booking.
Some specialist farm vehicles, including tractors, mobile cranes, tanks, and diggers may also be exempt, as are some showman’s vehicles.
Minibus drivers for a charity or school - excluding private schools - can register for a limited grace period until October 29, 2023.
