Everything you need to know about ULEZ around the UK

Piers Bambridge

31 May 2023

Drivers

What is an Ultra-low Emission Zone (ULEZ)? 

Ultra-low emission zones in the UK are areas where cities charge a fee for older, polluting vehicles to drive in. They are a response to air pollution created by vehicles, and part of a broader government-led approach to reducing emissions on the road to net zero.

Air pollution presents a higher health risk to some groups, including older people, children and people living with a lung condition. In London alone, it is estimated that five million people will no longer breathe unsafe and toxic air that exceeds interim World Health Organization guidelines when the ULEZ is expanded to cover outer London. This includes an estimated 87,000 children.

In this guide, we’ll review the London zone in detail, covering an estimated 8 million people, as well as review other zones across the UK. 

London ULEZ in detail

How much will it cost?

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the ULEZ emission standards and isn’t exempt, you need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive inside the zone.

What are the restrictions?

All London boroughs are adopting the ULEZ charge from the 29th August 2023, meaning if you drive a pre-Euro 4 or pre-Euro 6 diesel engine in London you will be liable for a daily charge. The charge is enforced through number plate recognition cameras and is clearly sign posted with a green sign like the one below.

Are there any exemptions to the charge?

There are a number of ‘grace periods’ available for disabled drivers, as well as some specific classes of vehicles. You can find out more here.

Is my car compliant with the ULEZ zone in London?

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone is designed to target older, more polluting cars in a bid to clean up air pollution. All combustion-engine vehicles are graded for their environmental impact by a ‘Euro’ system, 9 out of 10 cars in London are already compliant with new ULEZ launching in August 2023.

You can check your vehicle here, using Transport for London’s website.

Where is the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London?

To help clear up London’s air, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December). The zone currently covers all areas within the North and South Circular Roads. The North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads are not in the zone.

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the ULEZ emission standards and isn’t exempt, you need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive inside the zone. This applies to cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes)

How do I pay for the ULEZ charges in London?

You can pay for the ULEZ charges through the Transport for London site. You’re able to pay both for previous charges have incurred and also future charges you know you are likely to incur.

Where does the money go from London ULEZ charges and congestion charges?

Money raised from the ULEZ in London is ringfenced, meaning it can only be used to pay for improvements to public transport in London.

What are the rules for other low emission zones in UK cities?

Many cities are currently either implementing or considering implementing clean air zones, or low emission zones. We’ve summarised some of them below, and we update this list regularly.

If you are in England, you can also look for your car specifically with the government site ‘Drive in a Clean Air Zone’

Where are the Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Scotland?

Aberdeen ULEZ

The low emission zone in Aberdeen covers an area centred on Union Street, but stretching as far as Willowbank Road and past King Street. The train station and bus station both fall outside the LEZ in Aberdeen.

Fines begin on 1 June 2024 for those non-compliant vehicles that enter the Aberdeen LEZ, with charges similar to a parking fine, costing £60, but reduced to £30 if paid promptly.

Dundee ULEZ

Dundee’s low emission zone is around the city centre, not including the Wellgate Centre Car Park, or the Bell Street Car Park. Dundee’s fines also begin to be charged on 1st June 2024.

Edinburgh ULEZ

Edinburgh’s low-emission zone covers the centre of the city, and stretches from Queen Street, covering the West End and includes an area out to St Leonards, incorporating most of the roads around the Meadows. Similarly, fines begin on 1st June 2024.

Glasgow ULEZ

Glasgow’s low-emission zone is bordered by the M8 and the Clyde and stretches east almost as far as Glasgow Green. 

Glasgow has accelerated the system of fines for non-residents with charges having kicked off in 2023.  Local residents have a further year to comply and will have a grace period until 1st June 2024 to change their vehicle to a compliant model. 

English Clean Air Zone

There are 4 types of clean air zones, Class A to D.

A: Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles

B: Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles

C: Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses

D: Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, cars, the local authority has the option to include motorcycles

Clean Air Zones with charges

Clean Air Zones with no charges

Whether you are already in an ULEZ or one is coming to your city in the future, our team of EV experts are here to help your move to electric to help beat any charges that might come to your area in the future. Just get in touch for a chat today!