INTRODUCTION
For many drivers, the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and subsequent Clean Air Zones (CAZs) has changed the way they travel.
Our guide tells you everything you need to know about UK low emission zones, how they affect you, and how you can drive towards a greener future.
WHAT ARE ULTRA LOW EMISSION ZONES AND WHY WERE THEY INTRODUCED?
The first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was introduced by the Mayor of London in April 2019. The zone initially covered central London but was later expanded in 2021 to cover a larger area of greater London.
The aim of the Low Emission Zone was to reduce harmful emissions caused by a high volume of vehicles in busy areas. This is achieved by limiting the types of vehicles allowed to travel for free in that area. Petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 standards (manufactured after January 2006) and diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 standards (manufactured after September 2015). If a vehicle does not meet this standard, the driver is required to pay a standard daily charge for travelling within the ULEZ area.
Since their introduction, ULEZ has contributed to an almost 50% reduction in nitrogen dioxide pollution in central London.
IS ULEZ 24 HOURS?
ULEZ rules apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except Christmas Day.
WHAT IS A CLEAN AIR ZONE (CAZ)?
Following the introduction of the London ULEZ zone, other large cities in the UK began to implement their own Low Emission Zones, called Clean Air Zones (CAZ). This may include central areas of cities, busy roads or designated sections of cities where authorities want to target emission levels.
Cities currently operating CAZs include:
- Birmingham
- Bath
- Bradford
- Bristol
- Greater Manchester (under review at time of writing)
- Portsmouth
- Sheffield
- Tyneside – Newcastle and Gateshead
If you’re travelling abroad, it is important to be aware that there are also many cities in Europe that have started introducing Low Emission Zones.
Similarly to Low Emission Zones in the UK, European zones require certain vehicles to pay an access fee or may ban high-polluting vehicles altogether. Some countries also require drivers to display a windscreen sticker showing their vehicle’s emission levels.
WHAT IS THE LONDON CONGESTION CHARGE?
Introduced in 2003, the London Congestion Charge Zone requires drivers in central London to pay a fee when travelling between the hours of 7:00 and 18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Saturday-Sunday. Similarly to ULEZ, this is designed to reduce traffic levels and pollution in the city. However, fully electric vehicles are exempt from these fees if they are pre-registered each year.
HOW MUCH ARE LOW EMISSION ZONE CHARGES?
The standard Low Emission Zone cost is £12.50 and can be paid in the following ways:
- By calling 0343 222 2222
- Via an AutoPay account in advance or up to three days after your journey.
If you do not declare your vehicle and pay the fee within the allotted timeframe, you could face a penalty of up to £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
WHO DO ULEZ FEES APPLY TO?
There’s good news if you drive an EV or plug-in hybrid vehicle, as you will be exempt from all ULEZ or CAZ costs. This is because battery-powered vehicles do not produce any tailpipe emissions.
For non-electric drivers, your vehicle must meet Euro 4 standards for petrol or Euro 6 standards for diesel. This means most vehicles bought in the last three to four years should be ULEZ compliant.
You can check if your vehicle is compliant here.
ULEZ COSTS – DISCOUNTS AND EXEMPTIONS
There are some types of vehicles that can claim a discount or exemption for Low Emission Zone fees, including:
- Taxis (London-licensed)
- Historic vehicles (built more than 40 years ago)
- Not-for-profit minibuses
- Wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles
- Agricultural, military and non-road vehicles that can use the highway (such as excavators)
- Vehicles used for shows or performances
Rules for these discounts and exemptions can vary between cities, so it is important to check the rules for your vehicle before travelling in a Low Emission Zone.
HOW CAN I AVOID ULEZ FEES?
If you want to avoid paying ULEZ fees, switching to an EV is a great way to do this, whilst also cutting your carbon footprint.
You could also consider switching to a different mode of transport, such as buses, trams and trains, or even walking and cycling where possible. Many cities in the UK have been investing in creating ‘walkable cities’ and improving public transport and EV infrastructure to help support drivers in making greener choices for their travel.
To find out more about switching to electric transport and how an EV can benefit you, check out our range of free EV guides.
PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF ULEZ AND CAZ
The introduction of Low Emission Zones has been a pivotal part of the UK’s journey towards net zero by 2050. In addition to this, the UK government has vowed to ban the production and sale of ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles by 2035. With these deadlines on the horizon, we are likely to see continued efforts towards the reduction of vehicular emissions in coming years, as more and more drivers make the switch to greener transport.
ARE YOU READY TO MAKE THE SWITCH TO AN ELECTRIC FUTURE?
At Yü Charge we offer professional EV charge point installation services, for your home or business. Find out more about switching to EV or get your free EV charger installation quote to get started today.