If you are planning to operate a vehicle in the Capital from October 2017 you need to be aware of the new emissions rules that will apply.
The Emission Surcharge and Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) schemes are designed to tackle pollution in the Capital. TFL believe that, by discouraging the presence of the worst offending vehicles in central areas, the dangerously high levels of gases and particulates in London’s air can be significantly reduced.
After October 23rd 2017, any vehicle entering Central London ( Congestion Charge Zone) will need to meet strict emission standards - otherwise they will be subject to a daily £10 “Emissions Surcharge”. This fee is also being referred to as the Toxicity Charge or T-Charge.
This will be in addition to the Congestion Charge (CC) and apply in the same zone between Monday –Friday and 7am – 6pm (with some exceptions.) Payment will be possible via an app in a similar manner to the CC.
Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
When ULEZ is introduced, the Emissions Surcharge will end. Like the surcharge, ULEZ will cover all areas within the congestion charge zone. However it will be enforced 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
TfL are currently consulting on proposals to strengthen the ULEZ emissions standard to also cover Particulate Matter (PM) emissions from diesel vehicles. ULEZ will replace the T-Charge and it will apply to all vehicles that fail to reach NOx emission standards.
There will be an additional consultation to garner opinion on the possibility of expanding the reach of ULEZ over a greater area. The Mayor is also proposing to expand the ULEZ across Greater London for heavy vehicles, including buses, coaches and lorries in 2020, then up to the North and South Circular roads for cars and vans in 2021.
The existing approved ULEZ scheme set emission standards for diesel vehicles to meet Euro 6/VI NOx emissions, or Euro 4 for petrol and Euro 3 for motorcycles and similar vehicles. Some vehicles that meet Euro 6 diesel standards for NOx can emit up to six times the Euro 6 standard for PM.
One of TfL’s stated aims for the desired revision of the original plans is to align the ULEZ with the national standards as laid out in the government’s National Air Quality Plan.
IS ULEZ in addition to LEZ?
Drivers in London operating older HGV’s that meet the below criteria should be familiar with their LEZ requirements:
- Run on diesel
- Weigh over 3.5 tonnes GVW
- Were registered as new before 1st October 2006 (with only a partial filter or an eligible engine with no modification fitted to reduce emissions)
LEZ was introduced in 2008 to encourage older, more polluting HGVs to reduce their emissions. It covers most of greater London. Like ULEZ, the LEZ operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year, including weekends, public and Bank Holidays plus leap years.
The ULEZ emission standards are different from the Low Emission Zone. If you drive a HGV, coach, bus, minibus or large van, you must ensure that you meet both.
ULEZ charges will be in addition to those applied for entering the LEZ.
How much will ULEZ Cost Motorists
The table below explains in detail the costs faced by drivers wishing to enter the ULEZ if their vehicles do meet the required emission standards. Those in cars will incur a £12.50 fee and HGV’s/Coaches will need to pay £100. This will be in addition to the CCZ fee but not the T-charge (which will cease to apply once ULEZ is introduced.)
|
Vehicle Type |
Min Emission Standard |
Date from when manufacturers must comply with min standards |
Max Age of vehicle by 2020 Vehicles this age or younger by 2020 will meet the ULEZ standards and be exempt from the charge |
Charge if vehicle does not meet ULEZ Payable in addition to LEZ or CCZ charge |
|
Motor Cycles & Mopeds |
Euro 3 |
From 1 July 2007 |
13 years |
£12.50 |
|
Car and Small Van |
Euro 4 Petrol Euro 6 Diesel |
From 1 Jan 2006 From 1 Sep 2015 |
14 years 5 years |
£12.50 |
|
Large van and minibus |
Euro 4 Petrol Euro 6 diesel |
From 1 Jan 2007 From 1 Sep 2016 |
13 Years 4 years |
£12.50 |
|
HGV cat N2 and N3 |
Euro VI |
From 1 Jan 2014 |
6 years |
£100 |
|
Bus and Coach M3 |
Euro VI |
From 1 Jan 2014 |
6 years |
£100 |
ULEZ Fines
If a vehicle that fails to meet emissions standards enters the ULEZ and doesn’t pay the set fee, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued to the registered owner or operator. This PCN is in addition to the CC or LEZ penalties received.
The fine for motorcycles, cars, vans and minibuses will be £130 (with a reduction to £65 for prompt payment within 14 days). HGVs, coaches and buses will receive a £1,000 PCN that will be reduced to £500 if settled within the 14 days period.
Exemptions to ULEZ
Under the proposals, TfL are planning to exempt disabled tax class vehicles from ULEZ until 2023. This is part of a “sunset period.” However, private hire vehicles carrying disabled passengers will not be exempt.
Residents living in the ULEZ will be granted a three year sunset period, with a 100% discount, until 6th September 2023. Residents must have registered with TfL to receive the discount. Details on this process will be available nearer the time that the ULEZ comes into force.
Blue badge holders or persons who operate a 9+ seater vehicle that is currently registered for a congestion charge discount or is totally exempt, your vehicle will still need to meet the req
London black taxis will be exempt from both the T-Charge and ULEZ. Though any new taxi registered after January 1st 2018 will need to be Zero Emission Capable (ZEC.) However any taxis and private hire vehicles entering London that are not licensed by TfL will be due to pay both the Congestion Charge and also the Emission Surcharge/ ULEZ Charge if they fail to meet the required emission criteria.
Particulate Matters Standards for all vehicles in ULEZ
To avoid having to pay a charge when entering the ULEZ your vehicle must at least meet the applicable emission standards listed below:
Euro 3 – Motor cycles
Euro 4 – Petrol cars
Euro 6 – Diesel cars, vans, minibuses
Euro VI – Lorries, buses, coaches
Although we have made every effort to ensure that the information contained in this Guide is accurate at the time of writing, we cannot accept any liability for its accuracy.
TfL’s guide on non-compliant vehiclesIf your car is a diesel registered before September 1st 2015, it is quite likely that your vehicle will fail to meet the standards and you will be required to pay the T-Charge/ULEZ fee.
If your car runs on petrol and was registered before January 1st 2006, it is likely that your vehicle will fail to meet the standards and you will be required to pay the T-Charge/ULEZ fee.
If your lorry runs on diesel, bio-diesel, CNG or liquid natural gas (spark ignition) and was registered before January 1st 2014, it is likely that your vehicle will fail to meet the standards and you will be required to pay the T-Charge/ULEZ fee.
Some manufacturers adopted the Euro 4 and 6 standards earlier than required. Mercedes-Benz and BMW were known to be producing some Euro 6 diesel models as early as 2012. If you believe your vehicle might be acceptable despite being produced prior to the dates stated above, it is worth checking directly with your manufacturer.
How can I check if my vehicle meets the Ultra Low Emission Zone standards?
The emission standard of your vehicle can usually be determined by the date of first registration which can be found in the vehicle registration document, also known as the V5C, in Section B. For newer vehicles, the Euro standard may be listed on the V5C in section D.2.
If it is not listed, use the date of registration as new with the DVSA as a guide, which can be found in section B. The date of first registration can also be found at: vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk
Or use TfL’s ULEZ vehicle checker tool. Though if you have any doubt, TfL strongly recommend that you contact your manufacturer directly for a definitive answer.
*See also:
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/check-your-vehicle
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/emissions-surcharge#on-this-page-
