London, UK: London’s ultra low emission zone is to extend to all boroughs from August next year.
The move is aimed at improving air quality and to keep the city on target to becoming net-zero for carbon by 2030.
About 15% of vehicles driving in outer London boroughs would currently be liable for the charge – 160,000 cars and 42,000 vans entering the zone daily, according to Transport for London estimates.
Petrol cars and vans that have a Euro 4 compliant engine, available since 2006, or newer do not have to pay to enter the emission zone. Diesel cars and vans have to have a Euro 6 engine – widely available since 2016 – to be exempt from the charge.
There is a scrappage scheme targeted at low-income Londoners, people with disabilities, and charities but also for small businesses. Scrappage payments will include £5,000 for a van. Grants to retro-fit vehicles with cleaner engines will also be available.
Drivers of non-compliant vehicles who fail to pay the Ulez face an increased fine of £180.
Expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone to include all boroughs from August 2023 will provide an opportunity for logistics, according to Logistics UK. Operators within the capital will have to take active steps to plan vehicle replacement or upgrades, says Michelle Gardner, deputy policy director, Logistics UK. The organisation has called for “flexibility in implementation”.
“The quality of the air we breathe affects us all, and logistics operators have already made huge strides in reducing the industry’s emissions while delivering everything which Londoners need every day. The announcement of the date of the ULEZ expansion will enable businesses to speed up the planning of their vehicle upgrade or replacement programmes to ensure compliance,” Gardner said.
“However, with many vehicle manufacturers unable to fulfil new orders due to the worldwide shortage of parts and microchips, and very limited opportunities available for retrofitting existing vehicles, it is vital that the Mayor and his team provide some flexibility in the implementation of the new rules and access to the proposed £110 million scrappage scheme for commercial vehicle operators.”
Muniya Barua, the deputy chief executive at BusinessLDN, welcomed the move but said the mayor and Transport for London’s next step should be to accelerate plans for a smarter road pricing scheme. “With congestion costing the economy over £5bn a year and a 27% reduction in car miles required to hit our net zero targets, this has to be a priority.”
