TfL launches consultation on ULEZ expansion

Plans to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone to cover almost the whole of the capital from 29 August 2023 have been launched by TfL and The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

TfL says that in the short term, expanding the ULEZ London-wide will have the biggest effect on emissions relative to the cost to Londoners as a whole, as well as helping to tackle the climate emergency and traffic congestion. The current £12.50 daily charge level for cars, vans and motorbikes that do not meet the standards would be retained. 

The consultation will also ask Londoners to help shape the future of road user charging in the capital.  This could include scrapping existing charges, such as the Congestion Charge, and replacing them with a single road user charging scheme that uses more sophisticated technology.

It is estimated that if a larger zone were introduced, the number of cars not meeting the tough ULEZ standards each day in outer London would fall from 160,000 to 46,000 and the number of vans from 42,000 to 26,000. According to TfL, these proposals would mean the air around an additional 145 schools, mostly in outer London, would meet the interim WHO target for nitrogen dioxide. 

If the proposals are confirmed by the Mayor, a new scrappage scheme would be introduced.  TfL is also proposing to make it easier for people to pay the charge by removing the annual £10 per vehicle Auto Pay registration fee, while increasing financial penalties for non-payment by £20, or £10 if paid within 14 days.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: 

"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, said: 

"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."