From 25 October 2021, the existing central London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will expand to create a single larger zone up to, but not including, the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).

ULEZ expansion

Cars, motorcycles, vans and other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes), and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes) will either need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards, or pay a £12.50 daily charge when driving within the expanded ULEZ zone.

The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day (25 December).

The current ULEZ emissions standards will continue:

  • Euro 3 (NOx) for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles
  • Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans and other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes)
  • Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes)

Find out how HGVs, heavy vans and specialist heavy vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight) and buses, minibuses and coaches (over 5 tonnes) are affected by ULEZ and LEZ emissions standards.

Where it operates: search the ULEZ expansion area

Check the map to see if a postcode, location or landmark is within the expanded zone.

Check if your vehicle meets the standards

Use this tool to find out if your vehicle meets the emissions standard and the charges you need to pay. Four out of five cars already meet the ULEZ emissions standards, but we need owners of older polluting cars, motorcycles, lighter vans and minibuses to take action.

Search

Clear Search for stations, stops and piers (e.g. Bank)

See where the ULEZ in central London currently operates until 24 October 2021.

See a text description of the expanded ULEZ boundary map.

See maps showing the ULEZ expansion zone and specific borough details:

Road signs

Signs at every entry point will tell you when you are entering the zone and advance information signs will be installed on surrounding major roads.

There are no barriers or toll booths. Instead, cameras will read your number plate as you drive within the zone and check it against our database. This will tell us automatically whether or not your vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards.

Learn more about ULEZ road signs.

ULEZ and personal data

Find out more about how we use personal data, including from ULEZ cameras.

ULEZ charge

There is a £12.50 daily charge for driving within the ULEZ area if your vehicle doesn't meet the ULEZ emissions standards.

We would prefer vehicle owners to use a vehicle that meets the required emissions standards rather than pay the daily charge. Drivers can pay in advance or on the day of travel. If you forget to pay the charge you have up to midnight three charging days after you have travelled to pay the charge and avoid a fine.

If you also drive within the Congestion Charge zone in central London you will also need to pay the daily Congestion Charge, unless your vehicle has an exemption or discount. The Congestion Charge zone will not be expanding.

Auto Pay

Register for Auto Pay and never miss a payment. With Auto Pay, we'll bill you automatically for the number of charging days your vehicle travels within the ULEZ and other charging zones.

You can set up Auto Pay with the official TfL Pay to Drive app, available as a free download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. There is a £10 annual admin fee to register a vehicle.

Why the ULEZ is expanding

Despite recent improvements in air quality, toxic air pollution in London remains the biggest environmental risk to the health of all Londoners. It harms our lungs, worsens chronic illnesses such as asthma, lung and heart disease, and puts the health of our children at risk.

Air pollution is not just a central London problem, with many areas across the city still exceeding the legal limits for pollution. Pollution levels are now returning to pre-pandemic levels across the Capital.

Traffic emissions are the biggest source of poor air quality. The world's first 24 hour Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was implemented in central London in April 2019, and has seen the number of vehicles meeting the tough emission standards rise from 39% in February 2017* to more than 80%. It has also had a transformational impact on air pollution, contributing to a 44% reduction in roadside nitrogen dioxide within its boundaries. That's why The Mayor of London and TfL are helping to improve air quality across the Capital, by making our transport greener and expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Where the money goes

Any money received from the ULEZ will be reinvested into improving the transport network - including its cycleways, buses and Tube - and helping to improve London's air quality. We don't make a profit and are committed to reducing our costs.

Transport options

To help improve air quality in London, we are encouraging all Londoners to walk or cycle wherever possible, or use public transport, as this will help reduce emissions from polluting vehicles.

Cycling and walking

Whether you're a first-time rider or a regular cyclist looking to improve your skills, we fund free, online and tailored cycle skills courses to suit your individual abilities and goals.

It is now easier to park your bike across London. There are over 150,000 on street cycle parking spaces across London and 20,000 spaces at stations.

You could hire a bike with Santander Cycles. It costs from just £2 per day, with all 30 minute journeys included. If you ride for longer than 30 minutes, you pay £2 for every additional 30 minutes. Find out more at TfL Santander Cycles.

People who walk or cycle 20 minutes a day as part of their regular journeys feel improved mental and physical wellbeing. The Streetspace for London plan is creating more space for social distancing when walking and cycling, so it's never been easier to get about by bike or on foot. Find out where the temporary cycle lanes and wider pavements are so you can walk or cycle more safely.

Public transport

Travel off-peak anywhere between Zones 2 and 6 for £1.70, and use our Hopper fare to take unlimited bus or tram journeys within one hour for £1.55. This includes our Night Bus.

Use TfL journey planning tools and the TfL Go app to plan your journey in advance or while you are on the move.

We regularly clean our services using hospital grade antiviral disinfectant. Please plan ahead and travel at quiet times for more space. To help you plan a public transport journey, use the TfL journey planner.

If you are travelling on public transport, you must follow our safer travel guidance.

Car clubs

Car Clubs are short-term car rental services that give members access to locally parked cars, through paying by the minute, hour or day.

Many car clubs now operate electric or hybrid vehicles, which can help reduce emissions and improve air quality. Find out more about car clubs and the companies that provide them.

Scrap your polluting vehicle

You could apply for a grant to scrap and replace your older, polluting vehicle in favour of a cleaner one, or towards other ways of getting around. You could claim:

  • £2000 for scrapping a car or £1000 for a motorcycle
  • £7000 for scrapping a charity minibus up to and including 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, plus £2,500 contribution towards running costs of a replacement electric minibus

Check you are eligible and apply online. These schemes have limited funds and operate on a first come basis.

Considering going electric? See a list of eligible vehicles for a government grant on Gov.uk.

For more information about the ULEZ expansion, make an enquiry and select 'expansion' from the 'type of enquiry' menu.