Greater London: Now Ultra Low Emission Zone

The British capital has extended its Ultra Low Emission Zone to all boroughs. This means that in future, almost 700,000 vehicles that currently drive into London will no longer be allowed into the city unless they meet strict environmental standards. Read more about the extension of the zone and the associated criticism.

Since August 28, 2023, the whole of London has been an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This means that only vehicles that meet certain emission standards are allowed to enter the capital free of charge. Around 690,000 vehicles that regularly drive on London’s roads do not meet these requirements and have to pay GBP 12.5 per day (around EUR 14.5). The fine amounts to GBP 180. These rules also apply to tourists, which is why it’s important to use the online ULEZ checker when you travel to London.

When London introduced its Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2019, it was the first city to do so. Initially, the zone covered around 21 square kilometers in central London. In October 2021, it was expanded to almost 400 square kilometers and now covers the entire Greater London area. The main aim of the ULEZ is to reduce emissions from motorized private transport, for example from passenger cars. With this measure, the Mayor of London hopes to create incentives to switch to less polluting cars and other means of transportation.

Cars that remain parked throughout the day, zero-emission vehicles, electric and hybrid vehicles, some historic and special vehicles and Londoners with a disability are exempt from the ULEZ charge.

In response to criticism of the ULEZ expansion, London Mayor Sadiq Khan declared that all Londoners have a right to clean air – not just those living in city centers. The Mayor is a member of the Social Democratic Labor Party. In an interview with the BBC, Khan explained that the ULEZ is not an anti-car policy. According to him, around 90 percent of all vehicles in London already comply with emissions regulations, which means they can drive on the city’s roads for free. He also promised to make 160 million pounds available for retrofitting cars.

There are numerous studies that have proven the positive effects and effectiveness of low emission zones. These zones reduce nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter pollution in the air. They also have the potential to reduce congestion and overall traffic emissions, while encouraging a shift to public and active modes of transportation such as walking and cycling.

Government figures show that air pollution causes up to 36,000 premature deaths in the UK each year, around 4,000 of which are in London. Clean Air Zones are one of the most effective tools for tackling air pollution – the ULEZ has already significantly improved air quality in its area: according to one report, it has so far reduced toxic air pollution in central London by almost half.

Transport Minister Mark Harper of the Conservative Tory Party accused Khan of using the ULEZ to make money to tackle London’s significant debt. Other members of the Conservative party have criticized the financial impact of the scheme on motorists, particularly in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis.

However, the Low Emission Zone was the idea of former Conservative London Mayor Boris Johnson. He decided to introduce the ULEZ. When Khan became mayor in 2016, he began implementing the zone. Observers assume that the Tories are criticizing the expansion of the ULEZ as part of their strategy to win votes from motorists for the next general election, which is scheduled for 2024. According to recent polls, Labour is ahead in the polls.

So far, residents have repeatedly protested against the ULEZ expansion. Around 300 cameras have been destroyed or stolen in recent months. “It is clear that the Conservatives’ obsession with London’s ULEZ has nothing to do with the merits or demerits of the system, but with their desperate attempts to cling on to power by trying to weaponize green issues,” Khan told the Guardian.

It is estimated that around five million Londoners will breathe cleaner air. In addition, the ULEZ will help tackle climate change and traffic congestion. London is also one of the cities with the best public transport in Europe. However, the city also struggles with congestion, as the Global Traffic Scorecard shows. Sadiq Khan hopes that the ULEZ, in combination with the Congestion Charge (£15 per day for driving in certain zones during peak hours), will alleviate these problems.

Low emission zones are becoming increasingly popular. By 2025, there could be more than 500 such zones in Europe as more and more cities commit to achieving net zero emissions and improving their air quality. There are currently at least 320 low emission zones, more than half of them in Italy. Germany also has a large number of such zones, while Spain and France are not yet ready but have ambitious plans to introduce zones by 2025.

The strictness of the low emission zones varies, but experience shows that they work. The zones are particularly effective in reducing PM2.5 particulate matter, which is harmful to the lungs. Cities in France, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands have committed to setting up zero-emission zones in the next few years, and London is also flirting with the idea.

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