Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Ultra Low Emission Zone is no longer a talking point. In response to ever increasing pressure from various agencies and lobbyists, it seems that The U.K. government has decided to join the hippy banUltra Low Emission Zoned wagon.However, this road trip involves no happy fumes, no tripping or magic mushroom brewing, but it will involve improving air quality and polar bears saving.

ULEZ

First of all, the U.K. government should have enlisted the aid of our US allies, as they have a far better grasp of coming up with awesome call signs for these types of operations.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be introduced in central London from 8 April 2019.

The new regulation means, most vehicles will need to meet this new, tighter emission standards or pay a daily charge to travel within the area of the ULEZ, very much in line with the daily congestion charge already in place.

The ULEZ will be in operation 24/7 within the same area as the current congestion charge zone, and just to clear, these standards are in addition to Congestion Charge and Low Emission Zone requirements.

Am I affected?

Yes, there is no doubt in our mind, that you will be. These tighter regulations <take deep breath >affect all cars, motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles, quadricycles, small vans, large vans, 4X4 light utility vehicles, motorised horseboxes, pickups, ambulances, motorcaravans, minibuses, lorries, buses, coaches, breakdown & recovery vehicles, snow ploughs (we have these?), gritters (wasn’t aware those yellow boxes in the side of the roads can walk, let alone cause exhaust emissions), refuse collection vehicles (when they actually turn up to the do the job they are suppose to do), road sweepers, concrete mixers, fire engines, tippers and removals lorries.

So, if you drive horse and carts or even possibly your cart is being pulled by any mythical creatures, we believe; you might be safe.

However If you drive a lorry, van, bus, minibus or other specialist vehicle which currently meets the Low Emission Zone emissions standards, please be aware it may not meet the new ULEZ standards.

The ULEZ standards:

• Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)

• Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles

• Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles

• Euro VI for lorries, buses and coaches and other specialist heavy vehicles

ULEZ expansion – October 2021

As of 25 October 2021 the ULEZ boundary will be extended to create a larger zone bounded by the North and South Circular Roads. If you are driving any petrol or diesel vehicle within this enlarged area you will also need to meet new tighter emissions standards or pay a daily charge.

This daily charge is in addition to the weekday Congestion Charge if you drive in central London as well.

Vehicles using the North and South Circular Roads and not going into the ULEZ will not be charged.