Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ):
Everything you need to know
ULEZ – you may be familiar with the name, but not perhaps with how it operates. Please read on to learn more.
What is ULEZ?
What is ULEZ? ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone; it encompasses central London and, other than Christmas Day, it operates 24/7.

The ULEZ initiative was first announced in March 2015, and it was launched a little more than four years later. Its purpose: to make the air more breathable in London.

It encourages increased ownership of low/zero-emission vehicles by imposing a daily charge on drivers of vehicles that produce excessive carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions.

In 2020, government statistics indicated that transport was responsible for 24% of greenhouse gas emissions, 52% of which were caused by cars and taxis. Although these figures are high, they’re significantly lower than 1990 statistics, and ULEZ is contributing towards a further reduction.

According to Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, in 2022, ULEZ has “already reduced toxic air pollution by almost half in central London, and by over a fifth in inner London.”

Is my vehicle ULEZ
compliant?

The following cars and vans are exempt from ULEZ charges:

  • Fully electric vehicles
  • Euro 4 (NOx) – petrol vehicles (including all hybrid/plug-in hybrid models)
  • Euro 6 (NOx and PM) – diesel vehicles (including all hybrid/plug-in hybrid models)

Check to see if your vehicle is compliant by clicking on the below button.

CHECK MY VEHICLE

How much does ULEZ
cost?
It’s a £12.50 daily charge which applies to drivers of vehicles that don’t meet ULEZ emissions standards.
Cars £12.50 A Day
Motorcycles £12.50 A Day
Vans and Minibuses £12.50 A Day
Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes No ULEZ fee

Discover our wide range of ULEZ-compliant vehicles

We offer a huge choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric Hyundai, Lotus, Polestar, OMODA, JAECOO and Volvo vehicles, all of which are exempt from ULEZ charges.

Here are just some of our fully electric, zero-emission vehicles:

  • Hyundai IONIQ 6– a four-door coupé that delivers a long range and ultra-fast charging capability
  • Lotus Eletre – this Hyper SUV offers practicality and space in equal measure, and power without compromise
  • Polestar 2 – a super-stylish hatchback that manages 0-62mph in only 4.2 seconds
  • Volvo EX30 – an eye-catching and compact-yet-practical SUV that’s quick off the mark
  • Omoda E5 - a fully electric SUV with a 204 hp motor, offering a 257-mile range and fast-charging capabilities

What is ULEZ?

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The Ultra Low Emission Zone is designed to reduce the production of harmful emissions in London. It does so by penalising drivers of vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards – and it exempts those who drive low/zero-emission cars and vans.

What is the ULEZ charge?

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£12.50, which applies to anyone who drives a non-ULEZ compliant vehicle anywhere in the zone. It’s a daily tariff.

Which vehicles are exempt?

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Euro 4 petrol, Euro 6 diesel (including hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles) and all-electric vehicles.

Do I still need to pay the Congestion Charge?

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Yes, the ULEZ charge is additional to the Congestion Charge.

Can I pay the ULEZ charge at a later date?

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You have up to midnight on the third day following your journey.

What happens if I don’t pay the ULEZ charge?

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You’ll be liable for a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of up to £180.

How do I avoid paying the ULEZ charge?

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You have two options:

  • Steer clear of the ULEZ zone if you drive a non-compliant vehicle
  • Drive a vehicle which is ULEZ friendly

Is ULEZ working?

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Yes. Since its implementation, there has been a significant reduction in toxic pollution: 46% in central London and 21% in inner London.

What other ULEZ incentives are there?

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If you scrap your non-compliant vehicle, you could receive between £1,000 and £9,500. For full qualification criteria, please visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/scrappage-schemes.

Also, low/zero-emission vehicles are more affordable to run than conventional combustion-engined vehicles.