ULEZ Compliant vehicles are a must have for drivers who live and work in Greater London due to the cost of non-compliance. Introduced in April 2019, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) aims to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner transportation methods. If your vehicle doesn’t meet the standards, then you will be charged daily to enter the zone. You can check if your car is ULEZ compliant right here.

What is ULEZ?

ULEZ is designed to encourage the use of vehicles which meet the strict emission standards set. Vehicles which do not meet these standards incur a daily charge if they drive within particular areas in London. The aim of this is to significantly reduce pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter which both contribute to respiratory and other health problems.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

Driving a non-compliant vehicle within the ULEZ incurs a daily charge of £12.50. This charge applies 24/7, year-round, with the only exception being Christmas Day. The charge is in addition to any congestion fees and can add up quickly for regular commuters.

Cars That Meet ULEZ Standards

The ULEZ standards are slightly different for petrol and diesel engines:

Petrol Cars: To be compliant, petrol cars must meet at least Euro 4 standards, which typically include models registered from January 2006 onwards.

Diesel Cars: To be compliant, diesel cars need to meet Euro 6 standards, generally applied to vehicles registered from September 2015 onwards.

Electric and Hybrid vehicles usually meet ULEZ standards due to their lower emissions. Fully electric vehicles are exempt from ULEZ charges, however plug-in hybrids must meet the required emission standards for their petrol or diesel engines.

How to Check if Your Car is ULEZ Compliant

Drivers can quickly check their vehicle’s compliance using the Transport for London (TfL) ULEZ vehicle checker online. This tool helps determine whether your vehicle meets the emission standards required to avoid the ULEZ charges.

The expanded ULEZ (green) is much larger than the old ULEZ (blue), and congestion charge zone (red). Along with the ULEZ expansion, comes a major expansion to bus networks throughout Outer London, measured to add an additional million km of services.

Following its expansion in August 2023, the ULEZ now covers more areas and includes improved bus networks in Outer London. A significant £160 million scrappage scheme was introduced, offering a £2,000 grant for residents to scrap non-compliant vehicles.

With Labour's victory in the recent general election, there are promises to cut motorists' costs by reducing car insurance rates and increasing EV charger coverage. These changes aim to make ULEZ compliance easier and more affordable.

For more information on vehicle leasing options and to find the perfect ULEZ-compliant vehicle for your needs, check out our latest lease deals at Fleet UK.