What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and will it affect disabled motorists and WAV vehicle users?

On the 8 April 2019, central London will see the ULEZ replace the current T-charge and will mean that all vehicles will need to meet exhaust emission standards (ULEZ standards) or pay a daily charge to travel in the current Congestion Charging Zone. The ULEZ area will expand from 25 October 2021, out to the inner London area bounded by the North and South Circular roads.

The ULEZ has been brought into effect to help improve air quality in central London to combat the toxic air that city-dwellers, including children, are breathing every day. The government is looking to implement measures to promote less driving and more use of public transport, as well as work on encouraging sustainable freight deliveries, cleaner taxis and private hire vehicles, as well as a low-pollution bus fleet.

Diesel engines are one of the major reasons for the high volumes of air pollution in London, and under ULEZ standards, if your vehicle doesn’t comply with the emissions standards, you’ll be required to pay the ULEZ charge of £12.50 per day to drive in the zone.

To check if your vehicle complies with the ULEZ, please click this link.

Does this affect disabled motorists and WAV vehicle users?

Keepers of vehicles registered with a ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicles’ tax class, such as a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) will be exempt from the ULEZ charge until 26 October 2025 as long as the vehicle doesn’t change tax class. Read more about eligibility for disabled exemption, here.

Blue Badge holders will need to pay the ULEZ charge unless their vehicle meets the standards, or is registered as a ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicle’ tax class.

Motability Scheme vehicles are unlikely to be affected by the ULEZ as most of the scheme vehicles are brand new vehicles leased for three years, so, therefore, they are compliant and it is unlikely that many Motability customers would have to worry about this new charge.

The best way to ensure you’re completely aware of your particular vehicle and ULEZ is to check through the TFL website, ask us when enquiring about a vehicle, or asking Motability when applying for your scheme.