Named “one of the most radical anti-pollution policies in the world,” London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has earned high praise since rolling out in April 2019. Air pollution levels have dropped significantly, and emission-related illnesses have reduced pressure on the city’s NHS. In short, from a health and environmental perspective, the scheme is worth celebrating.
With the zone set to expand to 18 times the size of the original on the 25th of October 2021, Londoners as far as the North and South Circular Roads are about to feel the pinch.
For those not willing to ditch their non-compliant vehicles, typically any car sold before 2006, they will face a minimum daily charge of £12.50.
Not sure what to expect from the ULEZ expansion? Here’s a rundown of the most significant upcoming changes you need to know about:
The Londoner’s voice
While ULEZ has undoubtedly raised the bar for tackling emissions, living with the scheme as part of your day-to-day paints a different picture.
We asked 1,620 London residents what they thought about the current scheme and the upcoming changes. From switching to a ULEZ compliant vehicle to thoughts on the initiative itself, the results are a mixed bag. What’s most evident is that ULEZ is affecting the capital far beyond the boundary lines.
Read on to discover more insights surrounding the expansion and what to expect:
Praiseworthy positives
Launched initially to improve air quality and reduce congestion in the capital, ULEZ has produced praiseworthy results. According to TFL’s research, within six months, nitrogen levels reduced by 36%, and congestion has eased with 13,500 fewer cars on the roads.
Further data has revealed that almost 300,000 Londoners have been ‘saved from diseases attributable to air pollution, such as coronary heart disease, lung cancer, and dementia. This is a reduction of around one in every four air pollution-related diseases.’
With less pressure on the capital’s NHS and social care system and over £5bn saved in fewer air-pollution related admissions to hospitals, ULEZ has undeniably had more than just cost-saving benefits to the city.
But when we asked what London residents’ thoughts about the scheme itself, despite 88% being aware of all the changes to come, only 56.6% of our poll think the system is worthwhile.
ULEZ’s success is reason enough for the expansion
For some time, Londoners have been aware of the looming deadline to switch to a ULEZ compliant vehicle. While pure electric cars are automatically exempt due to their zero tailpipe emissions, under the current scheme, any of the following are exempt from the daily charge of £12.50 (£100 per day for buses, coaches & lorries):
- Petrol cars & vans: must meet Euro 4 standards (vehicles registered before 2005 typically don’t)
- Diesel cars & vans: must meet Euro 6 standards (most vehicles registered before 2006 don’t)
- Motorbikes: must meet Euro 3 standards (generally most pre-2007 bikes don’t)
- Buses, coaches & lorries: must meet Euro 6 standards
Since the scheme’s launch in April 2019, residents have had access to a 100% discount until the 24th of October 2021. Yet, making the switch may not be so simple for your average Londoner. When we polled some of the city’s residents, under half (48.85%) of 1,620 entries said they would upgrade their vehicle to a petrol compliant vehicle, 23.8% to hybrid, 18.8% to diesel, and only 8.8% to electric.
The most interesting factor in our results is that most motorists would still rather opt for a traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) over the more environmentally friendly hybrid or electric car when making the switch. But, with the expansion in full swing, it’s estimated that 100,000 cars, 35,000 vans, and 3,000 lorries could be affected.
Significant losses
When you look at the figures, most Londoners will have to give up their current vehicle despite it being only six years old with only 25,000 miles on the clock, and sell at a significant loss – all to avoid paying that £12.50 daily penalty to drive a mile down the road.
But to make a new vehicle affordable, over half (56.1%) of our poll would opt for car finance, 32.9% would consider leasing, and 11% would buy outright.
However, this doesn’t consider low-income households and families who may struggle to upgrade their vehicle despite the range of finance deals and government incentives, such as the Plug-In Grant and Scrappage Schemes that are currently in place.
Edmund King, president of the AA, has commented that “a family of five living within the North or South Circular may have bought a diesel people-carrier in 2014 in good faith. They are likely to lose a vehicle essential for shopping and family trips, even though they do the lowest mileage of drivers in the UK.” As a result, the cost of switching their car may have lasting consequences on their finances.
What’s more, with the expansion comes a new wave of 750 number plate recognition cameras to enforce the rules within the zone. Failure to register and pay will earn you a £160 fine for every day you drive within the area, no matter how far you are travelling within the zone. The expanded zone will still operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year, bar Christmas Day.
While classic vehicles older than 40 years will retain their exempt status, and disabled drivers won’t have to pay the charge until October 2025, owners of older motorhomes will incur a £100 per day penalty to drive in the zone.
With ULEZ expanding, there has also been growing concern over the Congestion Charge following suit. Fortunately, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has “succeeded in killing off” the proposal. However, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, the temporary changes made back in June 2021 are likely here to stay, which means £15 per day on top of other city taxes, up until 10 pm daily.
Whatever your thoughts about the upcoming ULEZ changes, the scheme is here to stay. With more and more emission zones cropping up in a city new you, such as Birmingham and Bath, switching your vehicle has never been more essential. How will you fund your new purchase?