ULEZ Check: Is my car ULEZ compliant?

In the UK, the introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) and Clean Air Zones (CAZ) has been rolled out in key cities. With more to follow suit in the coming months.

The hope for these zones is to reduce pollution. Mainly by discouraging the use of old and more polluting vehicles. This is particularly true of city centres. Where there are the most pedestrians. 

Early research into this has begun to show promising results.

Understanding Emission Standards

The ULEZ in London requires vehicles to meet specific emission standards. 

If they do not, the owner is required to pay a daily charge.

For diesel cars, the required standard is Euro 6. While petrol cars and vans must meet the Euro 4 standards

Checking Your Vehicle's Compliance

To check if your vehicle is compliant, there is a ULEZ vehicle checker provided by Transport for London. This accesses a database from the DVLA to check your vehicle’s credentials. 

This tool is essential for drivers in London. Other UK cities have or are planning to implement similar zones with similar tools to check. 

Cities include Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Greater Manchester (under review), Portsmouth, Sheffield, and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead) have introduced or are reviewing clean air zones.

Options for Non-Compliant Vehicles

If your vehicle doesn't meet the ULEZ standards, you face a choice. In some areas you can pay a daily charge. Alternatively, you may have to upgrade your car to a more compliant vehicle.

At present, the daily charge for entering the ULEZ in London is £12.50 – this is for most non-compliant vehicles. Higher charges are in place for buses, coaches, and lorries.

Checking Your Vehicle's ULEZ Compliance

For London: To find out if your vehicle meets ULEZ standards, use the Transport for London (TfL) ULEZ checker. Simply put your registration number into the tool. It will deliver a quick and straightforward way to check if your vehicle complies. 

Other Cities: Check your vehicle against CAZs or ULEZs in other cities by visiting the local city council's website. 

Understanding Emission Standards

• Petrol Vehicles: Must meet at least Euro 4 emission standards. This is applicable to most vehicles registered from January 2006
• Diesel Vehicles: Needs to comply with Euro 6 standards. Affecting most models registered after September 2015.
• Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: All electric vehicles are exempt from ULEZ charges. Hybrid vehicles must meet the same standards as their petrol or diesel counterparts

Non-Compliance: Charges and Alternatives

Non-compliant vehicles are subject to daily charges when entering ULEZ or CAZ areas.

For instance, in London, the charge is £12.50 per day for most vehicle types, with higher charges for heavy goods vehicles ?? .

If your vehicle isn't compliant, you can either pay the daily charge, upgrade to a compliant vehicle, or explore scrappage schemes offering financial incentives to switch to cleaner vehicles ?? .

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain vehicles and drivers may qualify for exemptions or discounts. Historic vehicles, vehicles for disabled persons, and those meeting specific low-emission criteria may be exempt.

Check your local city council's website for information.

The Expansion of ULEZ and CAZs Beyond London

While London's ULEZ is the most talked-about, several other UK cities have introduced or plan to introduce CAZs.

These include key cities, such as Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Each city will be responsible for setting its own regulations and charges.

If you are looking for more information on Clean Air Zone in specific cities, your best bet is to check the local council website. 

They should have any relevant information relating to any clear air policies and regulations. 

Businesses and Fleet Owners

Businesses with multiple vehicles should use the government or local authority services to check compliance for their fleet.

Some zones are offering business-specific accounts. This is a way to help the commercial section manage these charges and keep track of compliance against multiple vehicles. Low Emission Zones in the UK
Understanding the requirements for low emission zones across the UK can ensure you're not caught off guard.

Regularly checking your vehicle's compliance and, staying updated on local initiatives will help you to mitigate the impact of these environmental measures.