ULEZ is here – but disabled people have some protection from London emission charges

Sun,7 April 2019
News Equality & Rights

To help improve air quality, an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be in place in central London from 8 April 2019 in the same area as the Congestion Charge.

Find out more on TFL website

Most vehicles including cars and vans will need to meet new, tighter exhaust emission standards (ULEZ standards) or be liable for a daily charge to drive within the ULEZ area.

From 25 October 2021 the area will expand to the inner London area bounded by the North and South Circular roads.

How much is the charge?

  • £12.50 a day for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles and vans (up to and including 3.5 tonnes)
  • £100 a day for heavier vehicles, including lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) and buses/coaches (over 5 tonnes)

Exceptions for disabled people

  • Keepers of vehicles registered with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicles' tax class will benefit from a sunset period after the ULEZ starts. They'll be exempt from the ULEZ charge until 26 October 2025 as long as their vehicle doesn't change tax class. (Vehicles operated by or on behalf of TfL will not benefit from this sunset period.) Read the eligibility criteria for the disabled exemption on Gov.uk
  • If your UK-registered vehicle is in this category, you don't need to register with us to get the exemption. If your 'disabled' vehicle is registered outside the UK, you are also exempt from ULEZ during the sunset period, but will need to register with us. We'll explain how to register your vehicle closer to the time
  • Blue Badge holders will need to pay the charge from 8 April 2019 unless their vehicle meets the new ULEZ emission standards or is registered with the DVLA with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class
  • From 27 October 2025 vehicles with 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicles' tax class that do not meet the ULEZ emission standards will be liable for the daily ULEZ charge

See discounts and exemptions on the TFL website

Read about the Blue Badge Scheme