London’s ULEZ Zone: Which Cars Comply?

London has long had restrictions and charges to help reduce traffic and keep the air cleaner. In place since 2019 and updated in October 2021, ULEZ rules mean drivers of more polluting cars, vans, motorcycles and lorries will have to pay an extra charge when taking trips into or through central London. Read on to find out how to check if your vehicle is ULEZ-compliant, what a trip across the ULEZ zone will cost you and what your options are for upgrading your car.

By Gumtree Editorial Team

18 October 2021 3 min read

What is ULEZ?

ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone. Expanded in October 2021, it now covers central London up to but not including the North Circular road (A406) and the South Circular road (A205). It’s designed to help reduce air pollution in the city. If your vehicle meets ULEZ standards, you can drive in the zone for free – but if not, you’ll have to pay a charge to do so.

How much does it cost to drive in the ULEZ zone?

Charges for driving in the ULEZ zone in London apply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day (25th December). Here are the key things to remember about ULEZ charges:

If your vehicle meets the Low Emission Zone standards, you won’t have to pay to drive it in the ULEZ zone.
If your car, motorbike or van (up to 3.5 tonnes) doesn’t meet these standards, you’ll need to pay £12.50 per day to drive in the ULEZ zone.
Larger vehicles such as lorries and coaches can be driven in the ULEZ zone for £100 per day.

If you’re headed to London, double-check whether your journey passes into the ULEZ zone. Remember that if you’re driving within the Congestion Charge Zone (central London), you’ll also need to pay the £15 daily congestion charge, no matter what emissions category your vehicle is in. You can pre-pay all these charges online to avoid getting stuck with a fine.

Which cars are exempt from ULEZ charges?

To see if your car meets the new ULEZ standards, check the emissions category on your V5C. If it’s in the following categories, it’s exempt from ULEZ charges.

Motorcycles and mopeds must be in category Euro 3 (all motorcycles and mopeds registered after 2007)
Petrol cars and vans/minibuses must be in category Euro 4 (all cars registered after 2005 and small vans registered after 2006)
Diesel cars and vans/minibuses must be in category Euro 6 (buses registered in 2014 or later, cars and small vans registered after September 2015 and large vans registered after September 2016)
Lorries, buses and coaches must be in category Euro VI

If your vehicle isn’t ULEZ compliant

Older petrol cars and diesel cars registered before 2014 are unlikely to meet the new ULEZ standards. If you regularly drive in the ULEZ zone, it may be worth switching your car, van or motorbike – there are plenty of ultra-low emission vehicles to choose from.

Whether you’re thinking of upgrading your ride to an eco-friendly SUV like the Skoda Kamiq, or something compact and efficient for easy city driving such as the Volkswagen Up!, there are lots of options when it comes to ULEZ-compliant used cars.

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