Since ULEZ and CAZ have been introduced, drivers of non-compliant vehicles have faced a daily fee whenever they have driven in these zones. In August 2023, this zone expanded to include all of Greater London, which affected millions of drivers in the city. To avoid these fees, many people have opted to change their car, or retrofit their current car to become ULEZ compliant. However, this can be a costly process especially when you consider the emissions testing that would be required after modifications have been made. There is no approved ULEZ modification method that makes the process more costly - you would need to weigh up what is more important for you.
How do I make my car ULEZ compliant?
You may be able to make your car ULEZ compliant you can fit a new catalytic converter. This converts harmful gases into less harmful gases but it is a very expensive process and may not make your car ULEZ compliant anyway. You’ll also need to pay for your vehicle to be re-certified by the DVSA. It may be more cost effective to buy a new ULEZ compliant car. If you’re still convinced by modifications, there are some costs that you should be made aware of:
- Engine Upgrades: £1,000 to £5,000+
- Electric Conversion: £20,000+
- Retrofit Emission Reduction System: £1,500 to £2,000
- LPG Conversion: £20,000+
If you’re thinking about changing your car, we’ve summarised some of the best options for the top ULEZ compliant cars. Take a look below and get in touch if you have any questions.
What can I do instead?
There are 2 main options to avoid fees for driving a non-compliant vehicle in Clean Air Zones:
1. Upgrade to a ULEZ compliant vehicle
This can be a more cost effective option than adapting your current vehicle. If you upgrade to a ULEZ compliant model, you have the option to part exchange your current vehicle, or you could sell it to a buyer like Sell 2 Swansway - both options will help you make some money towards your new, more efficient car. The majority of modern cars are ULEZ compliant, so you shouldn’t have difficulty finding a vehicle which suits your needs and is ULEZ compliant. Find out more about ULEZ today and how you can make the change.
2. Plan your route to avoid Clean Air Zones
This solution is not permanent but if you do not regularly need to drive through Clean Air Zones, you could plan your route to avoid driving through these areas on the odd occasion you’re required to. If you regularly drive through Clean Air Zones, it is not a practical approach and we would suggest buying a new or used ULEZ car - otherwise you’ll need to pay the fines every time you drive through the zones, which could end up becoming costly.
Buy a cleaner car with Swansway
Whilst it may be tempting to modify your car to make it ULEZ compliant, in the long-run, it isn’t worth it. The costs you would incur may end up being more than your car is worth, so we’d recommend either changing your car to a cleaner vehicle or avoiding clean air zones altogether. We understand that in most cases (particularly for those who commute or travel regularly) avoiding certain areas isn’t possible - so why not take a look at our new and used vehicles that are ULEZ compliant? If there is anything that you want to know more about or have seen on our website that you have questions about, our team will happily answer any questions you have. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.