On 8 April 2019, the Central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to launch, which will help to tackle London’s toxic air.

The level of air pollution in our capital city is contributing to thousands of people dying prematurely every year, and in the worst affected parts of the city it’s increasing people’s risk of heart and lung disease and asthma. That’s why the Government is taking action to help clean up our dangerously polluted air and improve public health.

Daily ULEZ Charges:

For essential journeys you can avoid the charge by using a vehicle that meets the emission standards. Otherwise where possible it is advised to use public transport, walk or cycle. However if you do choose to pay the daily charge, here is information on payment options to help you prepare.

Types of Clean Air Zone

Different areas will have different clean air policies. Some will have charging CAZs, others will not. Some will charge less, others will charge more. Some will operate for 24 hours a day, others will be time limited.

Charging CAZ:

This type of CAZ imposes a fee on any vehicles passing through it that do not meet minimum emission standards.

Non-charging CAZ:

This type of CAZ does not impose fees on vehicles passing through it. Instead, it relies on other measures to improve air quality. Examples of such measures are improved public transport links, refined road layouts, and more cycle lanes.

London

London will be the first city to introduce a low emission zone (ULEZ) based on the national minimum emission standards, in a bid to help clean up the capital’s dangerously polluted air and improve public health.

Owners of vehicles that don’t meet the new stricter emissions standards and still wish to drive within the ULEZ will need to pay a daily charge. Please note that vehicles registered for a Congestion Charge discount are not exempt from the ULEZ.

ULEZ begins:                 April 8, 2019.

Vehicles affected:           All vehicles which don’t meet minimum emission standards

Low emission charge: £12.50 per day for affected cars; £100 for lorries

The zone is currently limited to the very centre of London, but it is set to become enormous in 2021, when it is due to expand out to the North and South Circular roads.

London is also planning smaller zero emission zones in the capital from 2020, where all vehicles will be charged unless they are plug-in hybrid, electric or hydrogen vehicles that can run without any exhaust emissions.

Click here to read our London ULEZ Guide which explains how to check your vehicle meets the ULEZ standard and how to pay any applicable charges.

Changing Clean Air Zone Minimum Emission Standards

Vehicle Type                                                   Minimum Emission Standards

Buses and coaches                                        Euro VI

HGVs                                                              Euro VI

Vans                                                                Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (Petrol)

Cars                                                                Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (Petrol)

Motorcycles and mopeds                                Euro 3

Clear Air Zone Activities in Other UK Cities

As well as London, the following 5 cities have also been mandated by the Government to introduce Clean Air Zones by 2020.

Birmingham

Derby

Leeds

Nottingham

Southampton

Click here to read more about the plans for these cities, and other UK cities affected by Clean Air Zones.

Steps to Prepare Your Fleet

For many organisations, transitioning to a new fleet of compliant vehicles would be a huge undertaking and is not a viable option. But what is important, is that organisations understand and are aware of the new emission zones, especially if their drivers are entering the city on business, regularly or not.

The aim of the ULEZs, is to encourage businesses and drivers, to consider driving less polluting vehicles, using different methods of transport or other travel methods like car sharing schemes.

Transport For London have launched an online tool that enables companies and drivers to check their vehicles.  All you need is your vehicle registration number, you can access the tool here.

For smaller fleets, the government has introduced a £23 million scrappage scheme to help take the most polluting vans off London’s roads. The scheme will initially help ‘micro-businesses’, which has been defined as those with fewer than 10 employees.