Drivers of older vehicles are increasingly likely to face additional charges when driving in London.

• A Low Emission Zone (LEZ) has covered most of Greater London since 2008, primarily targeting commercial vehicles.
• The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which affects all vehicles except black cabs, has been in place since 8 April 2019, covering the same area as the Congestion Charge zone.

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

• Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Entry is monitored using number-plate recognition technology.
• Introduced in 2008 for large diesel vehicles like lorries, buses, and coaches.
• £100 charge for vans or specialist diesel vehicles (over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) and minibuses (up to 5 tonnes) that do not meet Euro 3 standards.
• £100 charge for HGVs, lorries, and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, as well as buses, coaches, and minibuses over 5 tonnes that meet Euro 4 (PM) standards but not Euro 4 (NOx and PM) standards.
• £300 charge for HGVs, lorries, and specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, as well as buses, coaches, and minibuses over 5 tonnes that do not meet Euro 4 (PM) standards.

Is your vehicle affected by the LEZ?

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

The ULEZ came into effect on Monday 8 April 2019 and expanded in October 2021 to cover areas within, but not including, London’s North and South Circular roads. In August 2023, it was further extended to cover 99% of Greater London, up to (but not including) the M25 motorway.

• Operates 24/7 with a daily charge of £12.50 for cars, mopeds, and motorbikes.
• This charge is in addition to the LEZ and Congestion Charge but replaces the T-Charge.
• Exemptions apply to:
  • Petrol cars, vans, and minibuses that meet Euro 4 standards.
  • Diesel vehicles that meet Euro 6 standards.
  • Motorbikes and mopeds that meet Euro 3 standards.
• HGVs, buses, and coaches must meet Euro VI standards (in place since 2014) or pay a £100 daily fee.

The oldest vehicles eligible to enter the ULEZ without paying are typically 4-5-year-old diesel cars or 13-14-year-old petrol cars.