What is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone also known as ULEZ was initially launched in a small area of London in April 2019, since then there have been various expansions, including the most recent London-wide expansion taking place on the 29th of August 2023.
The ULEZ zones aim to reduce air pollution in cities by charging drivers with highly polluting cars to enter them. This charge is a £12.50 daily charge for entering the city in a non-compliant vehicle.
Not sure if your vehicle fits the criteria? Why not take a look at ways you could make it ULEZ- compliant?
There are however some exemptions to the rule, and we’re going to guide you through them.
Key Highlights:
- People with Disabilities
- Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
- Small Businesses, Charities and Not-for-Profit Organizations
- Historic Vehicles and Showman's Vehicles
- Other Exempt Vehicles
People with Disabilities
There are three grace periods that disabled drivers can apply for that would lead to exemption from the ULEZ chargers. Unfortunately, Blue Badge holders are not exempt from the ULEZ emissions charges, unless, of course, their vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards or is registered for one of the following three grace periods:
- ‘Disabled’ and ‘Disabled Passenger Vehicle’ Tax Class
If you are registered with the DVLA to have a ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicle’ tax class, you can benefit from a grace period that will last until the 24th of October 2027, providing your vehicle tax class remains the same during this time.
As long as your vehicle is registered in the UK, you don’t need to do anything to benefit from this grace period, however, if your vehicle is registered outside the UK, you will need to register to be exempt from the ULEZ charges.
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) grace period
Open to WAV vehicles that do not fit the ULEZ criteria and have been adapted by a mobility expert to allow a disabled person to access the driver or passenger seats. The grace period lasts until the 25th of October 2027, and you must apply for the benefit, with images of the vehicle’s logbook, a photo ID, and three images of the vehicle’s permanent conversion. To be eligible, your vehicle must have one of the following adaptations.
- A swivel seat can be on the driver or passenger side of the vehicle.
- An electric or hydraulic hoist.
- A permanent, foldable ramp.
- A powered lift.
- A permanent accelerator ring on the steering wheel.
- Disabled Benefits Grace Period
This is for people who receive the following disability benefits:
- Standard or enhanced mobility rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Higher mobility rate of Disability Living Allowance.
- Higher mobility rate of Child Disability Payment.
- Armed Forces Independent Payment.
- War Pensions Mobility Supplement.
- Standard or enhanced rate of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
It also applies to those who meet the below medical criteria:
- Registered blind.
- Have a terminal illness which makes walking very difficult or not possible.
- Be a parent/guardian of a child under 3 with a medical condition that requires bulky equipment at all times.
- Be a parent/guardian of a child under 3 with a medical condition that requires them to be near a vehicle at all times, in case of emergency medical treatment.
Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles
London-licensed taxis are exempt from ULEZ charges, but older, more polluting taxis are subject to an age limit. Designated wheelchair-accessible private hire vehicles (PHVs) used for private hire bookings are granted a grace period until 24 October 2027, during which they are exempt from the ULEZ daily charge.
Small Businesses, Charities and Not-for-Profit Organizations
Small businesses, micro businesses, charities, and sole traders with a registered address in one of the 32 London boroughs or the City of London can apply for a short-term exemption from the ULEZ daily charge if they have a new vehicle or retrofit ordered before 29 November 2023. Not-for-profit organizations operating minibuses used for community transport can register for a temporary 100% discount from the ULEZ charge until 26 October 2025.
Historic Vehicles and Showman's Vehicles
Historic vehicles and certain vehicle types currently exempt from the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) are also exempt from the ULEZ charge. Some showman's vehicles are also eligible for a 100% discount from the ULEZ daily charge if they are registered to a person following the business of a travelling showman and have been modified or specially constructed.
Other Vehicle Exemptions:
Some showman’s Those vehicles that are currently exempt from the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges are also currently exempt from the ULEZ charges, these include:
- Military Vehicles.
- Special Agricultural Vehicles.
- Certain types of mobile cranes.
- Non-road-going vehicles that are allowed to drive on the highway e.g. Excavators.
ULEZ Exemption FAQS
Are charities exempt from ULEZ?
Currently, no. However, if you are a not-for-profit organisation, there is a temporary exemption in place until October 2025 for organisations including charities, but also schools and local authorities, operating community transport minibuses. Any charity can register for this regardless of whether they are registered to a London address.
Do I have to pay ULEZ if I am traveling to a hospital?
If you are an NHS patient and have been clinically assessed as too ill, weak, or disabled to travel to an appointment on public transport, you may be eligible for reimbursement of the ULEZ charge, ask at you’re appointment and they will be able to help. Additionally, if there is an epidemic or pandemic prevalent in Greater London, and you are assessed as being too vulnerable to infection to travel to an appointment on public transport, you may also be eligible for reimbursement.
Is traveling to a place of worship exempt from ULEZ?
There has been some confusion about whether traveling to a place of worship is exempt from ULEZ. Many individuals utilise their cars to attend religious buildings such as mosques, synagogues, or churches. There is currently no exemption for people driving to and from worship, although there is a temporary exemption is in place for minibuses providing community transport services which could be an alternative for you getting to your place of worship without paying a ULEZ charge.
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