What the ULEZ means for drivers in London

Now that the new Ultra-Low Emission Zone has come into effect in London, many of our customers have been talking to us about upgrading their diesel car to a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

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The ULEZ was introduced in April by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, to deal with what he described as a “public health emergency” by reducing the number of older cars and commercial vehicles operating in the capital.

It requires drivers in central London’s Congestion Charge Zone to pay an additional £12.50 per day if they fail to meet tougher new exhaust emission standards – on top of the £11.50 Congestion Charge for entering the zone on weekdays between 7.00am and 6.00pm.

Unlike the Congestion Charge, the ULEZ charge (which replaces the existing £10 T-charge) is applicable at all times, and the charging period runs from 00.01am to 12.00pm.So if you enter the zone at, say, 8.00pm and are still driving after midnight, you will have to pay twice!

Fail to pay and you will be hit with an £80 penalty ticket (rising to £160 if you fail to pay within a fortnight).

In October 2021, the ULEZ will be extended to the North and South Circular roads – a substantially larger area.

Drivers of newer, cleaner cars will escape the current ULEZ charge.Generally speaking, petrol cars more than 14 years old and diesel cars over four years old will be charged.

Consequently, many company car fleets are reviewing their options – including switching from outright purchase to leasing when they upgrade their fleet.Come and talk to us today about the latest generation of clean Audi vehicles and the financial services we provide.