London’s ULEZ Expansion - October 2021
Published Date: 14th Jun 2021
Sadiq Khan’s plans to expand London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) should come into operation from 25th October 2021. The expanded area will be up to, but not including the A406 (North Circular Road) and the A205 (the South Circular Road).
Those travelling in and around the area may have noticed the new red signs that are up notifying motorists of the expanded zone and the date it will come into operation.
It is estimated that almost one million vehicles will be travelling in and through the expanded zone daily and while almost 9 out of 10 vehicles meet the ULEZ requirement, it will still be generating an estimated one billion pounds of income yearly in the next year or two.
Vehicles not meeting the low emissions requirements will need to pay the ULEZ £12.50 daily levy. Petrol cars must be at least Euro 4 compliant, while diesel cars must be Euro 6, if you are buying a brand-new car it will more than likely meet the requirements.
If you are travelling into the ULEZ zone, you can find out if your vehicle meets the emissions requirements here.
The charge applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the only exception being Christmas day. Non-compliant buses and Lorries will be slapped with a hefty £100 charge.
Licensed London Black Cab drivers are exempt from the charge with the caveat that any new Black Cabs must be zero emissions vehicles.
While a recent poll suggests around half of London residents approved of the expanded ULEZ area, there are a still about a third who do not. Keen Green campaigners are even pushing for Khan to expand the zone even further afield.