The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London is a designated area where vehicles must meet strict emissions standards to avoid a daily charge. The ULEZ has expanded to cover all London boroughs as of August 29, 2023. This means that all 32 boroughs, plus the City of London, are included in the ULEZ.
Boroughs in ULEZ:
As of the latest ULEZ expansion, all London boroughs are covered. This includes:
- North London: Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, etc.
- East London: Barking & Dagenham, Hackney, Newham, Redbridge, etc.
- South London: Bromley, Croydon, Greenwich, Lambeth, etc.
- West London: Ealing, Hounslow, Hillingdon, Richmond, etc.
- Central London: City of London, Westminster, Camden, etc.
In other words, if you plan to drive anywhere within Greater London, your vehicle will need to comply with ULEZ standards or face a charge.
How to Check if Your Car is ULEZ Compliant:
You can check if your car is compliant with ULEZ regulations by entering your vehicle registration number (VRM)on the Transport for London (TfL) website. Here's how:
- Visit the TfL ULEZ vehicle checker page: ULEZ vehicle checker
- Enter your vehicle registration number to see if your car meets the emission standards.
- If your car complies with ULEZ standards, you don’t have to pay the daily charge.
- If it does not comply, you will need to pay the ULEZ charge for every day you drive in the zone.
How to Pay the ULEZ Charge:
You can pay the ULEZ charge in several ways, but it’s important to pay it before, on the day of travel, or within 3 days after travel.
Payment Methods:
Online:
- Go to the TfL ULEZ payment page: Pay ULEZ charge
- Enter your vehicle registration and payment details.
Auto Pay:
- You can set up Auto Pay on the TfL website. This automatically charges you for any days you drive in the ULEZ, which helps you avoid forgetting to pay.
- Register for Auto Pay on TfL's website: Auto Pay
Pay by Phone:
- Call the TfL contact centre at 0343 222 2222 (standard call charges apply). Make sure you have your vehicle and payment details handy.
Mobile App:
- You can also pay using the TfL Pay to Drive in London app, available on both iOS and Android.
Daily ULEZ Charge:
- £12.50 per day for cars, motorcycles, and vans (up to 3.5 tonnes).
- £100 per day for heavier vehicles like lorries and coaches.
Deadline for Paying the ULEZ Charge:
If you forget to pay the ULEZ charge before traveling, you still have a 3-day grace period to make the payment. You can pay:
- Before midnight on the day of travel.
- Or up to midnight on the third day after travel.
Penalties for Non-Payment:
If you fail to pay the ULEZ charge within the allowed time (by midnight on the third day after traveling in the zone), you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
PCN Fine:
- £180 fine (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days).
Additional Information:
- The ULEZ operates 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
- Vehicles must meet Euro 4 standards for petrol cars and Euro 6 standards for diesel cars to avoid the charge.
- The ULEZ is separate from the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ) in central London, which operates during specific hours on weekdays.
For further details, you can check the TfL website for maps, vehicle checks, and additional services related to ULEZ.