The Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) has come into force in central London.
Drivers of older, more polluting vehicles are being charged to enter the congestion zone area at any time. Transport of London (TfL) hope the move will reduce the number of pollution cars in the capital and estimates that 40,000 vehicles will be affected each day.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said many small firms were “very worried about the future of their businesses” as a result of the “additional cost burden”.
Ultra Low Emission Zone
Most vehicles will have to pay £12.50 per day for entering the area each day. Vehicles can be checked by the TfL’s online tracker – click here to check.
Mainly those which are non-compliant are:
- Motorbikes that do not meet Euro 3 standards (pre-2007 vehicles)
- Petrol cars and vans that do not meet Euro 4 standards (vehicles pre-2006)
- Buses, coaches and lorries will need to meet or exceed the Euro 6 standards or pay £100 a day
- Diesel cars and vans that do not meet Euro 6 standards (vehicles pre-2015)
Anyone who fails to pay the charge will face a fine of £160, first offence may result in a warning letter. The ULEZ is set to expand and cover the entire area between the North and South Circular roads in 2021. It is estimated that a 45% reduction in toxic emissions.
Go Ultra Low, an electric vehicle campaign backed by the government, said: “There has never been a better time for drivers to consider making the switch to electric.”
