Consultation on ULEZ expansion closes this month

Transport for London is urging people to respond to its consultation on expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) London-wide, with less than a month to go to share your feedback.

The proposed scheme would take affect from 29 August 2023 and would see the ULEZ zone expand up to the current Low Emission Zone (LEZ) boundary, covering almost the whole of London.

Drivers would see a daily charge of £12.50 if they drove within the zone in a non-compliant vehicle, with the scheme operating 24 hours a day, 364 days a year (excluding Christmas Day).

Other proposals being consulted on include:

• Changes to the penalties for non-payment of the ULEZ and Congestion Charge – from £160 to £180 (£80 to £90 if paid within 14 days)
• Removal of the £10 Auto Pay per vehicle annual registration fee for all schemes
• Changes to the Mayor’s Transport Strategy to provide policy support for addressing the triple challenges of toxic air pollution, the climate emergency and congestion through road using charging including by expanding ULEZ London-wide.

The plans also outline exemptions and discounts, including for disabled and disabled passenger tax class vehicles and wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles until October 2027. The scheme would also include an NHS patient reimbursement scheme, as well as exemptions or discounts for minibuses used for community transport until October 2025, taxis, historic vehicles, specialist non-road going vehicles and showman’s vehicles.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: ‘The air Londoners breathe is so toxic it stunts children’s lungs, exacerbates chronic illness and contributes to thousands of premature deaths each year. More than half of the 500,000 Londoners with asthma live in outer London and all areas of London still breach safe levels of pollution.

‘That’s why my proposals for expanding the Ultra -Low Emission Zone are the right thing to do. Air pollution is not just a central London issue and Londoners in the outer boroughs should be able to enjoy the clean air benefits the ULEZ brings.

‘We’re keen to hear from all Londoners, so please share your views on my plans to build a better London for everyone – a safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous city for all Londoners.’

Alex Williams, TfL’s Director of City Planning, added: ‘It’s clear that the capital’s toxic air is continuing to blight the lives of Londoners and progress in outer boroughs is slower than anywhere else. The number of premature deaths and current projections for diseases linked to poor air quality is unacceptable. We must act at pace to tackle this, which is why we are proposing to expand the ULEZ London-wide next year and are looking at the longer-term solution of a new form of road user charging. We would encourage people to respond to this consultation to help shape our plans.’

The consultation closes on 29 July 2022 at 23:59, and you can respond here.