Feature: ULEZ expansion could save key workers money each month

Thomas Iveson, head of leasing, at specialist car discount company, Motorfinity, explains how switching to an electric vehicle (EV) could save key workers hundreds of pounds per month. 

Following the recent news that the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be expanded from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads, thousands of people who drive fuel cars in London will now have to pay an extra £12.50 a day to drive into the capital.

‘It certainly makes a positive step towards improving emission standards, by reducing the number of polluting cars and motorbikes in the capital. And, I’m confident it’ll be beneficial for London and the wider country in the long-term too. After all, it has already shown its worth in central London, contributing to a 44% reduction in roadside nitrogen dioxide within the zone.

We specialise in providing discounts on brand new motor vehicles to NHS, emergency services, social care, defence and education staff, thousands of which work in the capital each day. And, it’s completely understandable that such staff may be concerned about rising costs, and struggle to justify purchasing a new, more eco-friendly car.

For some care nurses, for example, who have to travel into the city daily to visit their patients, or NHS workers who commute to hospitals in London each day, those costs can soon add up, especially when they have to pay for parking too.

For someone travelling into the area five times a week, this would cost an extra £250 per month.

We calculated that for one of our customers who drives an estimate of 10,000 miles a year – by switching to an electric vehicle, they will save an estimate of £150 per month in diesel cost alone.

With a fuel vehicle, many will already be spending an average of £106 in fuel but coupled with the ULEZ policy, they’ll be spending £354 per month simply on travelling costs.

Switching to an electric vehicle saves money overall on running costs, but many frontline workers have concerns about the upfront costs often needed to purchase one.

However, by leasing a brand-new electric vehicle through a specialist car discount service like Motorfinity, eligible frontline workers can expect to pay far less per month than the standard cost for running a diesel or fuel car. It also often has a far lower down-payment than when purchasing a new car outright, which means it’s a really affordable option for many.

In addition, it’s worth noting that some frontline workers may also be eligible for a Congestion Charge reimbursement and should check their vehicle and details of exemptions on the Transport for London website.

The expansion of the ULEZ policy, is an important step towards reducing emissions but there’s no denying the cost implications it will have for many frontline workers. However, there is help out there, and through services like ours, they can get their hands on a new electric vehicle for less, while also helping to do their bit for the environment.”