You may or may not have heard the news, but the ULEZ Expansion 2023 is upon us, and a lot of motorists aren't happy. Some motorists see the ULEZ Expansion as the Tories "declaring war on motorists", whilst others are expressing their dismay at potentially paying £12.50 per day just to "nip" to the shops. We're here to explain what the ULEZ Expansion of 2023 is about, and how this will affect you.
What is the ULEZ Charge?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a charge implemented by Transport for London (TfL) to reduce air pollution in the city.
As London strives to be a greener, more energy-efficient city, it's attempting to enable it's residents to live a healthier life. The ULEZ Expansion is a method in which London has adopted in order to try to accomplish this, aiming to encourage the use of vehicles with lower emissions and discourage the use of high-polluting vehicles by forcing them to pay the ULEZ charge.
Where has the ULEZ Expansion grown to?
The ULEZ Expansion now means you will have to pay a ULEZ charge pretty much anywhere within the M25 loop, minus a few places. This means if you're travelling to London in a vehicle controlled by you, you're more than likely going to have to pay the ULEZ charge.
How Does the ULEZ Charge Work?
If your vehicle does not meet the required emissions standards, you will need to pay a daily charge to drive within the ULEZ. The charge applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. The current ULEZ charge for most vehicles is £12.50 per day.
Is My Car Exempt from the ULEZ Charge?
Some vehicles are exempt from the ULEZ charge. Here are the main exemptions:
1. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Electric vehicles are currently exempt from the ULEZ charge. This includes fully electric cars, vans, and motorcycles. If your vehicle is powered solely by electricity, you do not need to pay the ULEZ charge.
2. Vehicles with Disabled or Disabled Passenger Tax Class
Vehicles that have a disabled or disabled passenger tax class are also exempt from the ULEZ charge. This exemption applies to both private and commercial vehicles.
3. Historic Vehicles
Historic vehicles, which are over 40 years old and have a historic vehicle tax class, are exempt from the ULEZ charge. However, they must be registered as historic with the DVLA.
4. Certain Types of Agricultural and Military Vehicles
Specific types of agricultural and military vehicles are exempt from the ULEZ charge. These exemptions are based on the vehicle's use and purpose.
Am I exempt from the ULEZ charge?
To check if your vehicle is exempt from the ULEZ charge, you can use the online ULEZ vehicle checker provided by TfL, here. Simply enter your vehicle's registration number, and the online ULEZ vehicle checker will inform you if you need to pay the ULEZ charge or if you are exempt.
Is my car ULEZ compliant?
If you're asking "is my car ULEZ compliant?", then we've got the know-how for you. To determine if your car is ULEZ compliant, you need to check its Euro emission standard. The Euro emission standard can usually be found in the vehicle's registration document or log book. If your car meets the required Euro emission standard, it is ULEZ compliant and you will not have to pay the daily charge when driving within the ULEZ zone.
Make sure you prepare for your journey into the ULEZ zone, as the ULEZ Expansion of 2023 has caught a lot of motorists heading to the capital out already. Stay prepared, stay safe!
