Understanding ULEZ and Its Impact on UK Airports

What is ULEZ?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a designated area in London where vehicles that do not meet specific emissions standards are required to pay a daily charge to drive. The initiative, introduced by Transport for London (TfL), is part of the broader effort to improve air quality in the city by reducing harmful emissions from vehicles.

The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for Christmas Day. The zone was first introduced in Central London in April 2019, and it has since expanded to cover a larger area, including inner London within the North and South Circular Roads as of October 2021.

How Does ULEZ Work?

ULEZ applies to most vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, vans, and trucks, that do not meet the required Euro emissions standards. Specifically:

• Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, and minibuses (vehicles generally registered from 2005).
• Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans, and minibuses (vehicles generally registered from 2015).
• Euro 3 for motorcycles (vehicles generally registered from July 2007).

Vehicles that do not meet these standards must pay a daily charge of £12.50 for cars, motorcycles, and vans up to 3.5 tonnes, or £100 for heavier vehicles like trucks and buses.

Does ULEZ Cover Any UK Airports?

As of now, London Heathrow Airport is the only major UK airport that falls within the ULEZ zone. The airport, which is located in West London, is partially within the boundaries of the ULEZ zone that expanded in 2023. This means that vehicles driving to or from Heathrow Airport may need to pay the ULEZ charge if they do not meet the emissions standards.

Other London airports, such as London Gatwick, London Stansted, London Luton, and London City Airport, are not currently within the ULEZ. However, travelers should be aware of the ULEZ when planning their journey to or from these airports, especially if their route passes through ULEZ-covered areas in London.

Costs of ULEZ

The daily charge for ULEZ is:

• £12.50 for most vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and vans up to and including 3.5 tonnes.
• £100 for heavier vehicles, including lorries, buses, and coaches over 3.5 tonnes.

This charge is in addition to any applicable congestion charges or tolls, and it applies for every day that the vehicle is driven within the ULEZ zone.

Exemptions and Discounts

While ULEZ aims to reduce emissions, there are some exemptions and discounts available:

• Residents: People who live within the ULEZ zone are granted a temporary 100% discount on the ULEZ charge until October 2023.
• Disabled Tax Class Vehicles: Vehicles in the disabled tax class are exempt from the ULEZ charge until October 2027.
• Historic Vehicles: Vehicles that are over 40 years old and registered with the DVLA as having historic vehicle status are exempt from ULEZ charges.
• Taxis: London-licensed taxis are exempt from the ULEZ charge, but they still need to meet separate emissions standards set by TfL.

Conclusion

ULEZ is a critical part of London’s strategy to combat air pollution and protect public health. It impacts many drivers, particularly those traveling through London to major airports like Heathrow. Understanding whether your vehicle is subject to the ULEZ charge, and planning accordingly, can help you avoid unexpected costs on your journey. Always check your vehicle's compliance before driving into ULEZ areas, especially if you're headed to an airport within the zone.

By Stephen Forster at 8 Sep 2024