London, UK: The Mayor of London has launched another £110m scrappage scheme providing financial assistance to help users scrap high polluting vehicles. The scheme is part of plans to prepare for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023.
“Following the success of our last scrappage scheme, which saw the removal of more than 15,000 polluting vehicles from London’s roads, our new scrappage scheme will support Londoners on certain low income or disability benefits, and eligible micro businesses (up to 10 employees), sole traders and charities with a registered address in London. Only eligible applicants with vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standard will qualify for our new scrappage scheme,” Transport for London said.
In addition, London-based small businesses, micro businesses, sole traders and charities with new vans or minibuses ordered, or non-compliant vans or minibuses being retrofitted that will not be ready until after the scheme’s expansion, may be eligible for the new short-term grace period.The application process is online.
Under the van and minibuses scrappage scheme organisations must operate within the 32 boroughs of London or the City of London. You can only apply for a grant payment to scrap or retrofit a vehicle that does not meet the emissions standard.
There are also some discounts, grace periods and exemptions available. Drivers and vehicles may qualify for at least a temporary discount from the ULEZ, others may be entirely exempt. Check if you are eligible.
Michelle Gardner, Logistics UK’s deputy policy director, said: “Today’s announcement of the expansion of the ULEZ scrappage scheme to include all small businesses across London will be welcome news for logistics businesses working to serve the needs of the capital’s economy. Logistics UK and its members support the Mayor’s commitment to improving the quality of the air we breathe, but have been concerned about the cost of switching to compliant vehicles at a time of high inflation. Logistics businesses deliver everything London’s workers and residents need every day, and today’s news will provide reassurance that they can seek additional support to replace non-compliant vehicles.”
