London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has become a major topic of discussion leading up to the general election on July 4th. The ULEZ is one of several clean air zones in the UK that aim to reduce roadside emissions. It was initially proposed by former London Mayor Boris Johnson in 2015 and was expanded to cover all of Greater London in August 2023. The expansion of the ULEZ has been controversial, with the Labour Party blaming its loss in the Uxbridge by-election on the move.
The ULEZ operates by requiring drivers of older cars to pay a fee to drive through the city. It uses a system of cameras that read registration plates and check them against a database to determine if a vehicle meets the required emission standards. The fee for driving a non-compliant vehicle into the ULEZ is £12.50 per day, and it must be paid within three days of the journey.
The standards for compliance with the ULEZ vary depending on the type of vehicle. Petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 standard for nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, while diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 6 standard for NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions. Most petrol cars registered since January 2006 and most diesel cars registered after September 2015 meet these standards. Some older cars that meet the requirements but pre-date the introduction of the emissions standards require a certificate of compliance from the manufacturer.
There are exemptions to the ULEZ charge for certain vehicles. Classic cars that qualify for the historic vehicle tax exemption and vehicles built before January 1, 1973 are not required to pay the fee. Additionally, all London residents can apply for a scrappage scheme and receive £2000 from Transport for London (TfL) for scrapping a non-compliant vehicle.
It is important for drivers to check if their vehicle is compliant with the ULEZ before driving through London. The TfL website provides an online checker for this purpose. Automatic payments can be set up for drivers who frequently travel through the ULEZ to save the hassle of repeatedly paying the charge online. Various sat-nav systems and mapping apps also offer options to navigate around tolls like the ULEZ.
In conclusion, the ULEZ in London has been a hot topic in the lead up to the general election. It aims to reduce roadside emissions by requiring drivers of older cars to pay a fee to drive through the city. Compliance with the ULEZ is determined by emission standards, and there are exemptions and a scrappage scheme available for certain vehicles. It is important for drivers to check if their vehicle is compliant before entering the ULEZ.