How the ULEZ affects you
- Cars and small vans – Euro 6 for diesel engines (registered from 1 September 2015 so 5 years old or less in 2020) and Euro 4 for petrol engines (registered from 1 January 2006 so 14 years old or less in 2020). Non-compliant vehicles could still drive in the zone but they will be required to pay a daily charge of £12.50;
- Large vans and minibuses – Euro 6 for diesel engines (registered from 1 September 2016 so 4 years old or less in 2020) and Euro 4 for petrol engines (registered from 1 January 2007 so 13 years old or less in 2020).
- Non-compliant vehicles will be required to pay a daily charge of £12.50;
- Heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches – Euro VI (registered from 1 January 2014 so 6 years old or less in 2020 except TfL buses which are required to meet a higher standard). Non-compliant vehicles will be required to pay a daily charge of £100;
- Motorcycles and similar vehicles – Euro 3 (registered from 1 July 2007 so 13 years old or less in 2020).
- Non-compliant vehicles will be required to pay a daily charge of £12.50.
CLAIMING a ‘world first’ Mayor of London Boris Johnson has confirmed that an ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) will come into force on September 7, 2020.
But following wide-ranging consultations, the fears that all cars with diesel engines may get fined have been abated as the mayor’s ULEZ allows vehicles with Euro 6 diesel free access into the Capital’s clean air area.
The move follows wide-ranging consultations held earlier this year and is bolstered by £65M in funding to support London taxi drivers’ transition to zero emission capable taxis. This in turn comes after news that these vehicles will be assembled at a new ‘state-of-the-art’ plant in Coventry by the London Taxi Company.
The funding brings an extra £25M from the government to help support London taxi drivers’ transition to zero emission capable taxi in addition to £40M already committed by the mayor.
The ULEZ will require vehicles travelling in the Congestion Charge Zone in central London to meet emission standards 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or to pay a daily charge dependent on vehicle type.
The full ULEZ package is expected to halve emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10) from vehicle exhausts in central London.
According to the Mayor’s Office, the “positive” consultation process prompted 16,000 responses and found 58% either support or strongly support the introduction of the ULEZ.
Johnson, said: “The world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone is an essential measure to help improve air quality in our city, protect the health of Londoners, and lengthen our lead as the greatest city on earth. With additional funds announced today, more help is on the way for taxi drivers to support their transition to the latest technology in greener cabs. Together we can ensure everyone who lives, works in, or visits our city has the cleanest possible air to breathe.”
Vehicles adapted for disabled people will have a three-year ‘sunset period’, where they do not need to comply with the emissions standards until September 2023.
