Changes to ULEZ
Are you aware of the changes happening to London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), Congestion Charge zone and the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) on the 25th October?
A little under a month from now, only fully electric/hydrogen-powered cars will be exempt from paying a fee to enter London’s Congestion Charge zone. At the same time, London's ULEZ zone will expand to include most of the city.
For the Congestion Charge, currently only vehicles that meet Euro 6 standards (petrol and diesel), emit no more than 75g/km of CO2, and have a minimum 20-mile zero emission range qualify for the 100 percent CVD. But from the 25th October, this will change, and only pure electric or hydrogen fuelled vehicles will qualify.
Travelling through London
There are two zones in London where charges can currently be applied, those being the Congestion Charge Zone and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
Congestion Charge Zone and the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD)
The Congestion Charge is a £15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone and operates 07:00 to 22:00 every day of the year, except the 25th December. The charge is paid on all vehicles entering the centre of London, unless they are eligible for 100 percent cleaner vehicle discount (CVD).
From 25th October 2021, only pure electric or hydrogen vehicles will be eligible for the CVD and all other vehicles, regardless of their emissions status, will be required to pay the Congestion Charge.
From 25th December 2025, the CVD scheme expires, and all vehicle types will have to pay the Congestion Charge.
London’s ULEZ Expansion
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except the 25th December. This zone currently covers the same area as the Congestion Charge and is charged at £12.50. From the 25th October 2021 the zone will expand to include most of the city.
This expansion includes:
- Euro VI/6 for all diesel-engined HGVs, buses, coaches, vans, and cars.
- Euro 4 for all petrol-engined vans and cars.
- Euro 3 for motorbikes
The ULEZ charges are outlined as:
HGVs Euro 4 & 5: £100, HGVs Euro 3 and older: £300, Vans and cars: £12.50.
More information on the ULEZ can be found on the Transport for London website.
