Feb 26, 2019
If you’ve just read the title and thought “ULEZ…what on earth is that?” read on…. To help improve air quality, an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be in place in central London from 8 April 2019 – this will be in the same area as the Congestion Charge. Most vehicles including minibuses will need to meet new, tighter exhaust emission standards (ULEZ standards) or be liable for a daily charge to drive within the ULEZ area. What are the charges? The ULEZ daily charge will be £12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, vans and minibuses (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and £100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses/coaches (over 5 tonnes) The Penalty charge has been set at £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.) The ULEZ daily charge will be in addition to the weekday Congestion Charge and the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charge and will replace the T-Charge. TFL say they would rather encourage drivers to drive vehicles that comply with the stricter emission standards rather than pay the daily charge – so if you’re driving an old van and know you are not compliant, why not look into the cost of leasing a brand new van. It might cost you less than you think.View our offers here. From 25 October 2021 the area will expand to the inner London area bounded by the North and South Circular roads. When ULEZ operates The daily charge runs from midnight to midnight. If you drive within the ULEZ area across two days, for example before midnight and after midnight, you will be liable to pay two daily charges if your vehicle doesn't meet the ULEZ standards. Which vehicles are affected? Vehicles included are: . Minibuses (more than 8 passenger seats, not over 5 tonnes) · Small vans (weighing up to and including 1.205 tonnes unladen weight) · Larger vans, 4X4 light utility vehicles, motorised horseboxes, pickups (over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) · Ambulances and motorcaravans (2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes) Minimum emission standards · Petrol: Euro 4 · Diesel: Euro 6 The ULEZ will be enforced based on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than the age. If you drive a minibus that it currently meets the Low Emission Zone emissions standards, it may not meet the new ULEZ standards. Check if your vehicle meets the ULEZ standards using this handy ULEZ vehicle checker. All of our leasing deals can be found here and our friendly team is on hand to answer your questions.
