How The Ultra-Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) Changes May Affect Your City

Clean Air Zones (CAZs) were formed in the UK in 2015, when the Government revealed plans to improve air quality by reducing air pollution. At the time there were five CAZs to be introduced and operational by 2020. CAZs are areas where the local authority can use charging as a way of controlling and reducing traffic and therefore cleaning the air, but this is at the discretion of the relevant local authority, and they don’t have to introduce a charging scheme. Where they do introduce charging, however, these areas are known as Low Emission Zones (LEZs).

LEZs are common throughout Europe now, but in April 2019 London introduced a tough new scheme called an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This is one of the strongest steps taken yet to reduce the emission of vehicle pollutants, and in London this initially covered the existing congestion charge zone in central London. This operates on a 24/7 basis and after October 2021 it is expected to be increased to include an area bounded by the north and south circular roads. Other ULEZ schemes are now being discussed elsewhere in the country.

What is the cost of the ULEZ?

In London, vehicles, including motorbikes, that don’t meet emissions standards will be requested to pay £12.50 per day to enter the ULEZ. This is in addition to the existing congestion charge, and applies between Monday to Friday and between 7.00am to 6.00pm. Lorries will be charged £100 per day, and fines are in place for each vehicle type if the charge is not paid. As it stands, London taxis are exempt from the charge, as are vehicles registered to disabled drivers.

How can I check if my vehicle qualifies for a ULEZ charge?

Where a ULEZ exists you may be required to pay a charge to enter it if your vehicle qualifies because of its emissions. The Government has set-up an online system whereby you can enter your vehicle registration to check your applicability. In general the charge will apply to diesel vehicles registered pre-2015 and petrol vehicles registered pre-2006, but there are some exemptions, so you should always check, particularly as emissions rates and standards are always changing and improving.

Where else in the UK do ULEZs apply?

Initially the Government wanted to roll out ULEZs to a number of major cities in the UK, in addition to London. However, a number of issues have contributed to plans being changed since London was announced as the first ULEZ in 2019. Currently only Birmingham – applicable from June 2021 – and Bath – applicable from March 2021 – have systems in place. In Birmingham, the council will charge high polluting cars £8 per day to enter the CAZ, whilst HGVs will be charged £50 per day to enter a more specific zone. In Bath, a type C CAZ, the local authority will not charge private vehicles for driving through the city centre, but will charge more polluting buses, taxis and heavy goods vehicles.

Elsewhere, Bristol is still consulting over two possible options for the size of their CAZ. Derby, Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton were earmarked for a ULEZ but have all decided not to go ahead with a scheme because air pollution levels and air quality have improved, and targets should be met without the need to implement a ULEZ. In Greater Manchester a scheme is planned to be implemented in Spring 2022, but only for the most polluting commercial vehicles, not private vehicles.

Of course this will all be monitored closely, and it is expected that plans for schemes in these cities and also in Cardiff, Coventry, Hull, Leicester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Sheffield and Stoke, will be revisited having been dropped since the launch in 2019.

What can I do to improve my vehicle emissions?

Technology is improving vehicle emissions all the time, and undoubtedly it is better to drive a newer vehicle in order to be sure your emissions will avoid the ULEZ charges. The best way to do this is via car leasing. All the car leasing deals offered by Pink Car Leasing include emissions data for each vehicle, and you can upgrade your vehicle at the end of each lease to ensure you are always driving a new car, and always benefitting from the best environmental technology.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular on the market and are the best way to ensure your vehicle is not charged in a ULEZ. So contact Pink Car Leasing today to benefit from the improving emissions of our new vehicles, and enjoy all the other benefits of EV car leasing as you drive your way to zero emissions and no ULEZ charges.