Ultimate Guide to ULEZ
Is my car exempt from ULEZ charge? Do electric cars pay congestion charge? How many Clean Air Zones are there? Read our Ultimate EV Guide to ULEZ to answer all your questions and discover why switching to electric can be good for the environment and your pocket.
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If you drive in or close to London, you have probably heard of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). The extra charges that ULEZ bring, leave many drivers questioning if their vehicle is the most economical solution for their needs and whether switching to electric could be the best option.
This guide will explain what ULEZ is, which areas are affected and what it means for you and where you drive. We’ll also take a closer look at other charges such as the Congestion Charge and other Clean Air Zones around the UK.
What is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a road user charging scheme in London that was first announced in 2015 and then officially introduced in April 2019. It was introduced to reduce air pollution in the city, principally by charging drivers of vehicles that do not meet acceptable emissions standards.
Where is the ULEZ?
Initially, the Ultra Low Emissions Zone only covered central London, since then the chargeable ULEZ zone has been expanded to include up to the North and South Circular roads encapsulating all London Boroughs.
What’s the daily ULEZ charge?
For cars, vans and motorcycles that don’t meet the emissions standards, the daily charge for driving in the ULEZ as of July 2024 is £12.50. Vehicles over 3.5 tonne do not pay ULEZ, they need to pay the LEZ charge. If you are a regular driver into London, it may be worth considering upgrading your vehicle or registering for the exemption scheme. Paying the charge just once a week would cost around £650 a year, while the costs skyrocket to around £3,500 per year for daily use.
What cars are ULEZ compliant?
Whether your vehicle is compliant will depend on the type of vehicle you have. If you are not sure you can check your on the tfl.co.uk website. If your car vehicle falls within one of the following categories you won’t have to pay the ULEZ charge(as at July 2024).
- Petrol cars and vans that meet the Euro 4 emission standards, this is typically petrol cars that are registered after January 2006
- Diesel cars and vans must meet the Euro 6 emission standards, typically includes vehicles registered after September 2015.
- Hybrid cars that meet Euro 4 or Euro 6 standards depending on their fuel type.
- Classic cars typically over 40 years old.
- Motorcycles and mopeds that meet the Euro 3 emissions standard.
- Vehicles for disabled drivers or passengers – up until 24th October 2027
- Fully electric cars
Are electric cars exempt from ULEZ?
Fully electric cars emit zero exhaust emissions which means they are 100% exempt from ULEZ and Clean Air Zone charges. However, hybrid petrol vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards and hybrid diesel engines must meet the Euro 4 standards.
What is the Low Emission Zone (LEZ)?
The LEZ covers the same area as the ULEZ but is geared towards heavy diesel vehicles such as lorries, big vans and coaches. It operates 24hrs a day every day of the year including public holidays. Much like ULEZ, Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are designed to reduce air pollution by imposing charges on certain vehicles depending on their emissions standards.
Other cities also operate their own versions of LEZ and ULEZ, often referred to as Clean Air Zones (CAZ).
Other emissions and congestion charges to consider
Clean Air Zones (CAZ)
A Clean Air Zone (CAZ) works similarly to ULEZ and LEZ. In these areas, certain vehicles are required to either comply with emissions standards or pay a charge. Currently, there are four classes of CAZ, which differ depending on the vehicle type.
| Class | Vehicle Type |
| A | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles |
| B | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) |
| C | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses |
| D | Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses, cars, the local authority has the option to include motorcycles |
Charges for CAZ usually apply to a part of the city or a single road and the specific regulations and charges differ by location. However, the compliance standards remain the same – see below;
| Vehicle Type | Minimum Euro Emissions Standard |
| Cars and vans (diesel including hybrids) | Euro 6 |
| Cars and vans (petrol including hybrids) | Euro 4 |
| Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) | Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) Compliant |
| Motorcycles | Euro 3 |
| Buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) | Euro 1 |
Where do Clean Air Zones operate?
There are currently seven cities that have adopted the CAZ scheme. They include Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside, Greater Manchester (under review).
As the UK moves towards Net Zero and as pollution in cities is increasingly linked to health concerns, other towns and cities are now adopting CAZ with more cities under review to take on this scheme.
The Congestion Charge
The Congestion Charge is a separate scheme to ULEZ. It was introduced in 2003 to reduce traffic congestion in the centre of London by encouraging more people to use public transport around the city.
Whilst the Congestion Charge is not specifically designed to reduce pollution, it does contribute towards the efforts of reducing harmful carbons and air pollutants in the city.
Where does the Congestion Charge operate?
The charging area extends from Kings Cross in the north to Elephant and Castle in the south, Hyde Park Corner in the west and Old Street roundabout to the east. These areas are operated by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and the zones are signposted by a red disc containing a white letter c.
When does the Congestion Charge operate?
The Congestion Charge is in effect from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, and from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays. There is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day bank holidays (inclusive).
Are electric cars exempt from the Congestion Charge?
If you drive an electric car or a vehicle emitting less than 75/km of CO2, you’re exempt from the daily £15 charge (August 2023). However, you have to register for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount in order to benefit from this. You can also get a full discount if you are registered disabled and a 90% discount if you are a resident of the Charge Zone area.
The future of the congestion charge
From December 2025, electric cars will no longer be exempt from the charge. According to Transport for London, this rule change is designed to encourage people to take public transport or to cycle. If you do need to pay it, you can do so online, by phone, text message or by using the Transport for London Pay to Drive app, downloadable for free at Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Failure to pay will result in a penalty charge notice.
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