Does My Van Meet ULEZ Emission Standards?

If you regularly commute to London for work, then you’ll need to be fully aware of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and if your vehicle is compliant with current standards.

***Read our latest article on the 2023 ULEZ expansion in London.

What is ULEZ?

To help improve air quality in London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was introduced to the city in April 2019. The scheme ensures that tighter exhaust emission standards are in place to reduce the high level of toxins created by motorised vehicles.

The ULEZ scheme operates for 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 364 days a year - the only exception being Christmas Day when charges are exempt for a 24-hour period.

All ULEZ areas are clearly signposted with road signs as shown in the images below - please bear in mind that there are no barriers or toll booths to determine these designated zones. Instead, ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology is used to detect vehicles travelling in, out and through ULEZ areas.

Vans and other vehicles considered for ULEZ include:

• Small vans (weighing up to and including 1.205 tonnes unladen weight).
• Larger vans, 4x4 light utility vehicles, motorised horseboxes, pickups (over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight).
• Motorcaravans (2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes).
• Minibuses (more than 8 passenger seats, not over 5 tonnes).

Where is ULEZ?

As of 25th October 2021, London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expanded to 18 times the size of its original area within the city. It stretches the same eight square mile area that the congestion charge currently operates. 

ULEZ covers all areas within Greater London’s North and South Circular roads but does not include the North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) road itself. Whether you travel through the entire zone or partially enter the area’s boundary, you will be charged if your vehicle isn’t compliant with ULEZ standards. Take a look at the map below to determine exactly where the updated 2021 ULEZ area covers.

It is expected that the current ULEZ area will be expanded further by 2024, after London Mayer, Sadiq Khan, hinted that extra measures would be taken to continue tackling the capital’s air pollution - this could be stretched to cover the entire city.  

In addition to ULEZ, dedicated ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) streets are in operation throughout East London. To find out more about the areas dubbed ‘electric streets’, take a read of our Ultra Low Emission Neighbourhoods blog which explains ULEV and its zones in more detail.   

What are the ULEZ charges?

If your vehicle is not up to ULEZ standards, you will need to pay a daily charge to travel within the designated zone. These are set at £12.50 per day for most vehicles, including vans up to 3.5 tonnes.

Heavier vehicles such as lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses/coaches over 5 tonnes, will be charged at £100 per day. The penalty for an unpaid fine is £160 which is reduced to £80 if paid within 14-days.    

These are in addition to any Congestion Charge or Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges that may also apply. Please note that small vans up to and including 1.205 tonnes unladen weight are not subject to the LEZ charges.

ULEZ compliant vans

It’s estimated that around 90% of all vehicles travelling within ULEZ currently meet the required minimum emissions standards, allowing travel free of charge. 

ULEZ charges are enforced based on the emissions of your vehicle - these will be confirmed on your vehicle registration document if you are unsure. As a general rule of thumb these are:

• All-new diesel vans were first registered in September 2016 which meet the Euro 6 emission standards.
• All-new petrol vans first registered in January 2006 which meet the Euro 4 emission standards.  
• Electric and hybrid vans. 

Is your van ULEZ compliant? Check if your van meets current ULEZ requirements by visiting the official TfL website and typing in your registration plate details into the designated box on the Check Your Vehicle page.    

ULEZ compliant vans are available at Loads of Vans

If your van doesn’t meet the required ULEZ standards, then we can help! Why not upgrade your van at Loads of Vans; we’re an established new van and used van dealership in North Cheam, South London.

We keep the nation moving by supplying high-quality vans to businesses of all sizes across the UK. Almost all of our vans are Euro 6 compliant and in stock now, so you can travel to and from central London’s ULEZ area worry-free. Read our What Does Euro 6 Mean for Van Drivers blog to discover what makes a van Euro 6 compliant, as well as the benefits of owning one.  

Why not invest in an electric van to lower your fuel costs, pay zero tax and no congestion or ULEZ charges either. Check out our Loads of Vans ULEZ Commitment blog to understand why we’re dedicated to providing you with all the latest ULEZ information. 

Here at Loads of Vans, we proudly offer a wide selection of electric vans for you to choose. From the compact Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric to the mid-size Peugeot e-Expert Electric Asphalt or Citroën ë-Dispatch Electric van. Discover our full range of electric commercial vehicles and accelerate your journey into EV ownership today! 

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