If you’re reading this on MyUxbridge, you are probably squarely in the middle of the ULEZ expansions zone that will now cover Hillingdon.

Here’s the thing – I hear someone complaining about it with entirely incorrect information every day. In the last month alone, I have heard of people confused in almost every aspect. From the woman who said, “I’ll have to pay £12.50 per day, and my car is a 2019”, to the person that ran out to buy a new van and thinks they may need another new one next year.

The trouble is, there are a lot of questions, and it’s not as cut and dry as it could or should be. So we are going over some of the points you need to consider. Today is the 2nd means you can now register to scrap your car if you don’t fall into the bracket that could before the 21st.

“Now, any London resident living in one of the 32 London boroughs or the City of London with an eligible vehicle can apply to scrap a car or motorcycle, as you no longer need to receive certain benefits to apply.” – https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/scrappage-schemes

Luckily, you don’t need to pay the ULEZ charge if you are parked inside the zone and don’t drive.

Understanding the ULEZ Expansion

The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) expansion is coming to Greater London at the end of the month. With its imminent arrival, there’s been a noticeable surge in misinformation and confusion. The last thing anyone wants is to be slapped with unexpected bills or, worse, to pay when they don’t have to. This article aims to demystify the ULEZ expansion, discussing what it means for you and determining if you will be affected.

 

What is ULEZ?

Before diving into the specifics of the expansion, it’s crucial to understand what ULEZ is. The Ultra Low Emission Zone is a designated area in London where vehicles must meet strict emission standards or pay a daily charge. This initiative was designed to improve air quality in the city by reducing the number of polluting cars on the road. The ULEZ has been in effect in central London for a while, but on the 29th of August, it will expand to cover Greater London too. Yes, Uxbridge & Hillingdon will be affected.

 

Why is the ULEZ expanding?

The initial ULEZ was confined to central London. However, with the program’s success in reducing emissions and improving air quality, the decision was made to expand its reach. This expansion aims to cover a more extensive area, thus benefiting more residents with cleaner air and promoting a shift to cleaner transportation methods.

 

Will my vehicle be affected?

The main concern for many is whether the expansion will affect their vehicle. Vehicles are assessed based on their emissions, specifically:

– Petrol cars, vans and minibuses must meet Euro 4 standards.
– Diesel cars, vans and minibuses must meet Euro 6 standards.
– Motorcycles, mopeds, and other L-category vehicles must meet Euro 3 standards.

You can check if your vehicle meets the ULEZ standards using online tools provided by Transport for London.

And that is the only way to check. There’s kind of an age thing, but it’s based on the standards.

Check your vehicle here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

What are the ULEZ charges?

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the required standards, you’ll be subject to a daily charge:

– Cars, motorcycles, and small vans: £12.50
– Larger vehicles like lorries and buses: £100

These charges apply 24/7 and can add up quickly, so being prepared is essential. God forbid you went out every day for a month without realising you were being charged. Because then you would get a fine for each day that is £90 if paid within 14 days, and £180 if you don’t. I’m not sure how quickly they send out those fines, but I’m pretty sure you could soon rack up the debt if you don’t realise you should be paying.

More info on ULEZ penalty charges here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/penalty-charges-for-ulez

 

Exemptions and Discounts

Some vehicles qualify for a temporary discount or are entirely exempt from the ULEZ charges. These include:

– Vehicles for disabled people are exempt (only until the 25th of October 2027).
– Historic or classic vehicles registered before 1979 are exempt.
– Some speciality vehicles also get exemptions.

It’s essential to check the complete list of exemptions on the official ULEZ website to ensure you’re not paying unnecessarily.

More info on discounts and exemptions for ULEZ expansion: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/discounts-and-exemptions

 

What are the Euro 6 Standards?

 

Car newly registered from:	Emissions standard
The 31st of December 1992	Euro 1
The 1st of January 1997	Euro 2
The 1st of January 2001	Euro 3
The 1st of January 2006	Euro 4
The 1st of January 2011	Euro 5
The 1st of September 2015	Euro 6

Source: https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/emissions/euro-emissions-standards/

And while we may not see a change in the specs soon, with Euro 7 specs being released next year, this threshold will be moving – even if not every year.

Conclusion

The ULEZ expansion is a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier London, and while the rollout may seem… rocky, we can probably all agree that less pollution is a good thing. It would have been nice if the Scrappage scheme was offered to everyone from the start, and we have less than eight days to scrap a car and get a new one – but what can you do?

While change often brings about concerns and confusion, being informed is the best way to navigate these new waters smoothly. Ensure you know if your vehicle is affected, be aware of potential charges, and always stay updated on exemptions and discounts to avoid unnecessary expenses. Let’s all work together for a greener future!

Let us know what you think about the ULEZ expansion below.

*Disclaimer. This isn’t legally binding, and we have nothing to do with TfL. Defiantly check official sources to reach your conclusions.