The ULEZ, or ultra low emission zone, is a London-wide area where vehicles failing set emissions standards pay a daily charge. It operates every day except Christmas Day and aims to reduce harmful exhaust pollution across the capital.
In one line: The ULEZ is London's emissions zone charging older, more polluting vehicles a daily fee to drive within its boundary.
How the ULEZ works
The ULEZ is run by Transport for London and covers all London boroughs. A vehicle that does not meet the standard, usually Euro 4 for petrol and Euro 6 for diesel, must pay to drive inside the zone or face a penalty.
The daily ULEZ charge for a non-compliant car is 12.50 GBP (Transport for London). For example, a driver commuting on five weekdays in a non-compliant car pays 62.50 GBP a week, on top of any other applicable London charges.
Failing to pay leads to a penalty charge notice, reduced if settled quickly, so unpaid daily charges escalate fast for regular drivers.
ULEZ vs the Congestion Charge
The ULEZ charges vehicles based on emissions and covers all of London, while the Congestion Charge applies in a small central zone regardless of how clean the vehicle is. A driver in central London can owe both on the same day.
Compliance with the ULEZ depends on the engine's Euro rating, so paying the ULEZ does not exempt a vehicle from the separate Congestion Charge.
Primary source: Transport for London: ULEZ payments