Everything You Need to Know About The ULEZ Expansion

With a big expansion planned for later this year (August 2023), the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a big talking point across London, particularly amongst our customers, who come to visit us at our West London dealership. Drivers of vehicles that don’t comply with the ULEZ standards could be liable for the dreaded daily fee - and you will be fined if you do not pay it. To understand more about the expanded zone which will reach parts of the M25 in some places, we have put together this comprehensive guide. Read on to find out more.

What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone? 

The Ultra Low Emission Zone is an area of London, due to be expanded later this year, in which cars that are non-compliant are required to pay a fee to travel. Compliance depends on the eco-credentials of the car, bike or van (how environmentally friendly it is), as the initiative is designed to deter drivers from travelling in high-polluting vehicles.

How much does driving in the ULEZ cost? 

The fee is currently £12.50 for vehicles that aren’t ULEZ-compliant. It’s a daily charge, and is completely separate from the congestion charge, which is £15 per day for all vehicles within the designated zone. It can get fairly pricey if you travel in the capital daily in a non-compliant vehicle! 

What makes a car ULEZ-compliant? 

In order for a vehicle to be ULEZ-compliant, and therefore exempt from paying the £12.50 per day charge, it needs to meet the following standards: 

• Euro 3 for motorcycles (including mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles)
• Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles

What area is currently covered by ULEZ? 

Right now, the Ultra Low Emission Zone covers Central London, and this is within the North and South circular roads. 

However, the above isn’t going to be exclusively the case for long; on Tuesday 29th August 2023, the area will expand to cover Greater London, as confirmed by TFL (Transport For London). Don’t forget and get caught out! 

Where is the ULEZ expanding to? 

The Ultra Low Emission Zone is expanding to cover all London Boroughs, not just the central ones. In some places, it will border the M25. The map below, courtesy of TfL, shows you where the current zone is, and where it's expanding to. 

Why is the ULEZ expanding? 

As the ULEZ is a green initiative, and the climate crisis continues to be at the top of agendas everywhere, it’s no surprise that a city as congested as London is upping the ante in terms of environmentally friendly solutions. Improving air quality and reducing the harmful effects of vehicle traffic on the environment is why the ULEZ exists.

When is the Ultra Low Emission Zone expanding? 

The expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone will come into force from Tuesday 29th August 2023.

Find a ULEZ-compliant car in West London 

If you’re looking to upgrade from a non-compliant car to one that will save you £12.50 in ULEZ fees come August 29th, there’s no better place to come than West Motors. With an upgraded showroom and over 100 cars in stock, we can help you find the perfect car for you, complete with a budget-friendly finance deal, and used car warranty for your peace of mind. 

Browse our selection online, and keep an eye out for the ‘ULEZ’ banner on our vehicle listings.