LEZ: Where and when

Where it operates

Enter a street name, postcode or landmark in the box below to view its location in relation to the zone. To confirm if an address is inside or outside the zone, use the postcode checker below the map.

All roads within Greater London, those at Heathrow and parts of the M1 and M4 are included. However, the M25 is not included (even where it passes within the GLA boundary). Look out for signs at the boundary and side of the road to see where LEZ applies.

Driving in central London

The LEZ isn't the same as the Congestion Charge zone in central London. The Congestion Charge applies 07:00-18:00 Monday to Friday, excluding public and bank holidays and the period between Christmas and New Year's Day. If you drive within the charging zone during these times you need to pay the Congestion Charge, even if you meet the LEZ emissions standards or have paid the daily LEZ charge.

You will also need to pay the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge if you don't meet the ULEZ standards - the ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year except Christmas Day (25 December).

When it operates

The LEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year - this includes weekends, public and bank holidays, and the period between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Charging days run from midnight to midnight - if you drive within the LEZ between 23:30 and 01:00 the next day, you'd need to pay for two days.

Vehicles parked in the zone but not driving are not subject to LEZ requirements for that day.

How the LEZ works

There are no barriers or toll booths within the LEZ. Instead, cameras will read your number plate as you drive within the LEZ and check it against our database of registered vehicles.

This database is compiled using information from the DVLA and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), generic vehicle weight data typical of the make and model, and drivers and operators who have registered with us.

This tells us automatically whether your vehicle meets the LEZ emissions standards, is exempt, is registered for a discount, or if you've already paid the daily charge.

Vehicles registered outside the UK

If you're driving a vehicle registered outside the UK, you'll need to register it with us to let us know that it meets the LEZ emissions standards so we can add your vehicle to our database.

It's important that you do this, because if you drive in the LEZ without registering, even if your vehicle meets the standards, you'll have to pay the daily charge, or may receive a Penalty Charge Notice.

Find out more about registering your vehicle.

Future changes to LEZ and ULEZ

In addition to the existing LEZ emissions standards operating across most of Greater London, a phased implementation of tougher emissions standards will affect different vehicle types and different geographical areas within London.

LEZ from 26 October 2020

Emissions standards, daily charges and penalties will change for HGVs, lorries, vans and other specialist heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, as well as buses/minibuses and coaches over 5 tonnes being used within the LEZ. (Vehicles that comply with ULEZ will already meet the tougher emissions standards.)

Our vehicle checker will show if you're likely to be affected by changes to the LEZ emissions standards.

ULEZ from 25 October 2021

The ULEZ boundary around central London will be extended to create a larger zone bounded by the North and South Circular Roads. If you drive any vehicle within this enlarged area you will need to meet tougher emissions standards or pay a daily charge. This daily charge is in addition to the weekday Congestion Charge.

Non-road mobile machinery

We also need to reduce emissions from non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) to protect and improve Londoners' health.

A NRMM LEZ sets minimum emissions standards for machinery used on construction sites. More information is on the NRMM London website.