ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emissions Zone) is an area located in central London that requires certain drivers to pay when they enter and travel within it. The fee applies regardless the time of the day and ULEZ is in effect 24/7, apart from the upcoming Christmas day. ULEZ may address traffic congestion problems in central London by discouraging certain vehicles to enter the zone. Only diesel cars with Euro 6 emission standard and petrol cars with Euro 4 emission standard are exempted from the charge. This can solve, or at least alleviate, much of London’s traffic congestion while making it easier for lorry drivers to get across town.
ULEZ Fees
For non-compliant vehicles, owners need to pay £12.50, regardless of the time of the day. For heavier vehicles above 3.5 tonnes, the fee is £100 per day. A day in ULEZ starts from midnight and the fee doesn’t buy vehicle owners 24 hours access in the zone. If a car enters the zone at 10pm and leaves the next day at 6am, the owner needs to pay £25 or £200 for heavier vehicles, which is quite hefty for local businesses. ULEZ overlaps with CCZ (Congestion Charging Zone). So, if the vehicle is also in area where CCZ is applicable, the owner needs to pay £27.5 (£12.5 for ULEZ and £15 for CCZ). However, it is no longer necessary for owners to pay for T-Charge (Emissions Surcharge) if they already pay for ULEZ.
The ULEZ Traffic Congestion Solution
ULEZ will encourage people to use public transportation or car-sharing schemes when going to central London. This should partially alleviate current congestion in the area. In central London, people may take advantage of unlimited tram or bus journeys for £1.50 within one hour. However, in certain zones and during the rush hour, the unlimited hourly rate could rise to £2.40.
ULEZ Expansion – October 2021
From 25 October 2021, the ULEZ boundary will be expanded from central London to create a single larger zone up to the North and South Circular Roads. However, the North and South Circular Roads are not in the expanded zone.
Avoiding ULEZ/CCZ Areas
Navigation apps, like Waze, can guide motorists to go around the ULEZ/CCZ areas, so they don’t need to pay. As long as they don’t enter CCZ, vehicle owners will also avoid ULEZ. However, it may not be so simple in subsequent years, if ULEZ and CCZ evolve. It is expected that in October 2021, ULEZ may get bigger. This could happen if new boundaries will expand to the North and South Circular roads. People who stay within ULEZ and CCZ don’t need to pay charges in full until October 2021. This should give them some time to purchase a compliant vehicle.
Contact Nationwide Vehicle Rentals
To learn more about how ULEZ may alleviate traffic congestion in London, contact Nationwide Vehicle Rentals today and select from a wide range of late model cars, vans and more!
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My client has asked if you can mention the extension which is due to take place in 2021 and the map of the ULEZ zone.