The Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion is implemented from next week
On Monday, 25 October, the existing zone will expand to create a single larger zone, covering all areas within the North Circular Road and South Circular Road.
Around 10 million drivers have so far used TfL’s vehicle checker to verify their vehicle meets pollution standards.
The new 24-hour zone will be implemented for seven days a week and is 18 times the size of the current central zone.
It’s thought that the central zone alone has seen toxic pollution slashed by nearly half.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “London’s toxic air is a health crisis causing long-lasting harm to our children and contributing to thousands of premature deaths.
“The Ultra Low Emission Zone has already cut nitrogen dioxide pollution by nearly half in central London and the expansion of the zone on 25 October means many more Londoners across the city will enjoy the benefits of cleaner, healthier air.
“We need bold action to clean up London’s air and whilst it’s encouraging that four out of five vehicles now meet the current standards and won’t have to pay the ULEZ charge, I advise all drivers to use the TfL checker to make sure your vehicle is ULEZ compliant.
Drivers have been supported in making the transition with the Mayor’s £61m scrappage scheme.
Regarding the scheme, Khan said: “Our scrappage scheme will continue supporting motorists to ditch their polluting cars and make the switch to greener forms of transport as we drive towards a green recovery.”
More than 80 per cent of vehicles in the zone already comply, up from 39 per cent in February 2017 when the plans for the larger area were first announced.
It’s estimated that 100,000 cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries could potentially be affected by the tighter standards in the expanded area every day.
TfL’s Director of City Planning, Alex Williams said: “The benefits of the larger ULEZ won’t just be felt from day one of its operation.
“Compliance with the tough standards has more than doubled since the Mayor announced the plans, with the result being Londoners breathing cleaner air over the last four years.
“We don’t want drivers to get caught out on the 25 October, so we are advising people to use our checker to see if their vehicle meets the standards.
“If they are liable for the charge we would ask them to consider using public transport, or to walk or cycle if possible, and if they need to drive, consider using a car club whose fleets are fully ULEZ compliant, or switching to the cleanest vehicle.”
More than 12,000 older polluting cars, vans, minibuses and HGVs have been taken off the road or retrofitted.
TfL is also greening its own fleet with more than 500 zero emission buses on the city’s streets with more than 4,000 iconic black cabs now using electric.
Drivers can check their vehicle meets the standards in the expanded ULEZ here.
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