London ULEZ expansion comes into force: Everything you need to know

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been expanded and from 29th August now includes all London boroughs within the M25 boundary.

This means that drivers of non-compliant vehicles much pay a daily charge of £12.50 if they wish to drive their vehicle.

It’s one of the most controversial clean air zones to come into force. Here’s everything you need to know.

How far does the ULEZ now reach?

Until recently, the ULEZ made up a number of city centre boroughs, but from 29th August, it has expanded to include pretty much every area within the M25 motorway.

This means that areas like Barnet, Heathrow, Wimbledon and Bromley are now within the ULEZ zone. Transport for London (TfL) is installing an extra 2,750 cameras in these boroughs to enforce the expansion.

The map above shows the zone in its current form, which now extends up to the M25.

The introduction of the expanded zone has been controversial, with five councils taking TfL’s policy to the High Court. However, the judge ruled Sadiq Khan’s plan “was within his powers”.

What’s being done for London residents with non-compliant vehicles?

A first-come first-served scrappage scheme is now on offer to all Londoners, with the policy enabling them to claim up to £2,000 to replace non-compliant vehicles.

Londoners with non-compliant cars can claim up to £2,000, while small businesses can claim up to £7,000 per vehicle (up to three). There are other options on offer too, with grants of up to £6,000 for businesses wishing to retrofit vehicles.

The full list and grant payments offered

• Scrap a car - £2,000
• Scrap a car - £1,600 plus one adult-rate Annual Bus & Tram Pass
• Scrap a car - £1,200 plus two adult-rate Annual Bus & Tram Passes
• Scrap a motorcycle - £1,000
• Scrap a motorcycle - £600 plus one adult-rate Annual Bus & Tram Pass
• Scrap a motorcycle - £200 plus two adult-rate Annual Bus & Tram Passes
• Scrap a wheelchair accessible vehicle (car or van) - £10,000 (previously £5,000)
• Retrofit a wheelchair accessible vehicle (van only) - £6,000 (previously £5,000)

Commenting on the scrappage scheme, mayor Khan said: “I have continued to listen to the concerns of Londoners over recent months and I can announce a huge expansion of the scrappage scheme […]

“It means that all Londoners with non-ULEZ-compliant cars will now be able to get financial support to switch to greener, less polluting vehicles.”

You can find out exactly who and what vehicles can claim using the scrappage scheme on the Transport for London website. 

You can read more on the UK’s clean air zones, including any that are planned in your area, in our full guide here.