ULEZ London Expansion
Published Date: 27th Jan 2023
The London ULEZ expands on 29th of August, 2023
London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) is set to expand across the entire capital from 29 August 2023, marking a major step towards cleaner air for London's 5 million residents. The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, announced the start date after a summer consultation on the scheme, which green groups and clean air campaigners have welcomed.
Under the scheme, drivers of older vehicles that don't meet certain emissions standards will be required to pay a daily £12.50 ULEZ charge when driving in London. To help vulnerable people and small businesses affected by the charge, an improved £110m scrappage scheme has also been introduced. It is expected to offer unparalleled support for those in need of aid, such as disabled people and those living in London boroughs outside of central London who are liable for the fee.
The ULEZ expansion is vital to combat London's toxic air and climate emergency that have caused many health issues amongst Londoners - from cancer to lung disease, dementia and asthma. For children especially, these consequences can be life-changing illnesses. By introducing this measure, Londoners will benefit from cleaner air and healthier lives.
These measures will also include more buses in London’s suburbs - both as part of the improved scrappage scheme and as an alternate form of transport to car use, making public transport more attractive than using vehicles inside London's boundaries. Additionally, it is hoped that revenue raised from this scheme can be used to fund better public transport links across London - enabling more people to use them without needing a car.
In terms of figures surrounding the proposed ULEZ expansion, Transport for London (TfL) estimates that 15% of vehicles driving in outer London boroughs would currently be liable for the charge - with 160,000 cars and 42,000 vans entering the zone each day. Compliance with existing ULEZ regulations is already fairly high at 94%.
Given the staggering statistics in terms of pollution levels and potential revenue generation through this ULEZ expansion, it is clear why Mayor Khan has implemented it despite some opposition from Conservatives who say most people in outer boroughs do not want it due to its impact on the rising cost of living. Ultimately, this kind of decisive action was necessary if we stand any chance against climate change and restoring clean air quality across all areas in Greater London – making not just healthier lives possible but happier ones too!
The ULEZ sees drivers of older pre-2006 petrol cars and older pre-2015 diesel cars will pay £12.50 every day they drive in the ULEZ, which presently covers all areas inside the North and South Circular roads, and from the 29th of August 2023, will expand to all areas inside the M25.
Time for a Hybrid or Full Electric Car? Call 0161 946 3500 or Check out our New Electric Car Deals here: 2023 Electric New Car Deals (uk-car-discount.co.uk)