Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) Explained
The ULEZ, Ultra Low Emission Zone, is a UK regulation that was originally launched in London on 8 April 2019. It is part of the UK government’s overall objective to reduce pollution and help improve air quality. Following its introduction, vehicles driving through London, especially moving vans, are required to meet the low emissions standards or pay a penalty for failure to comply.
The ULEZ was originally introduced in the Congestion Charge area in Central London. But it now covers different areas and has different criteria. If you are driving a ULEZ non-compliant vehicle in the Congestion Charge (CC) while it is in operation (Monday to Friday 7 am – 6 pm, and 12 pm – 6 pm on weekends), you’ll end up paying both the CC and ULEZ fee.
As of September 2023, the ULEZ fee stands at £12.50 per day. It runs concurrently with the £15 Congestion Charge fees for non-compliant vehicles. Not paying the ULEZ charge will result in a fine of £160, although it can be reduced to £80 if you pay it within 14 days.
Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) Recent Updates
On 8th April 2019, the ULEZ took effect in Central London in the same area as the Congestion Charge. A climate-conscious strategy, the ULEZ, has witnessed some interesting developments in recent years.
- From August 2023, the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London has been expanded to cover all Boroughs.
- Major cities and towns in the UK such as Oxford, Sheffield, Leeds, Edinburgh, and Dundee, etc., have introduced ULEZ.
- In addition to Ultra Low Emission Zones, Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and Low Emission Zones (LEZ) are being set up throughout the UK.
- Manchester has advocated an investment-led approach in its Clean Air Plan to meet legal limits for nitrogen oxide by 2025.
- The Mayor of London has introduced a £110 million scrappage scheme to help eligible Londoners scrap their highly polluting vehicles.
- As of March 2022, over 90% of vehicles passing through the London ULEZ meet the low emission requirements.
What Does the ULEZ Mean For Your Move to London?
From 2024, vehicles entering any London borough will have to meet the Ultra Low Emission Zone requirements. To remain compliant with the ULEZ regulations, diesel cars need to be registered with the DVLA no earlier than September 2015. Petrol cars, likewise, should have come into use post-2006. London owners of vehicles that do not meet these requirements need to pay a ULEZ charge daily.
If you are using a moving company that is unable to meet the ULEZ standards there will be a charge of £100 per day per lorry, which is typically passed on to the customer.
How Can Gerson Relocation Reduce Your Moving Costs and ULEZ Emissions?
At Gerson Relocation, we adhere to ULEZ regulations to keep the environmental impact of moving low. As an operator and as part of its environmental and CSR objectives to reduce emissions, AGM Group has already invested in its UK and European fleet to meet the latest Euro 6 standards. This means that each of our moves has lower emissions than your average moving company. Furthermore, it ensures that our clients do not have to pick up additional charges whilst adhering to a lower environmental impact during their move.
Following Brexit, our business has ensured that relevant ECMT permits are in place to continue transportation between the UK and Europe. Contact us today to ensure an economically and environmentally sound relocation.
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