The London Ultra Low Emission Zone is designed to improve air quality across London by reducing emissions from older, more polluting vehicles. It aims to protect public health, lower levels of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, and reduce the number of high‑polluting vehicles travelling in the city. It has been expanded over time to maximise air‑quality improvements across all London boroughs.

The scheme applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day except Christmas Day. Vehicles must meet specific emissions standards to avoid a daily charge:

• Petrol vehicles must meet Euro 4 emissions standards.
• Diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 emissions standards.
• Motorcycles must meet Euro 3 standards.

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A daily charge applies to cars, motorcycles, vans up to 3.5 tonnes, and minibuses up to 5 tonnes that do not meet these standards. Larger vehicles such as lorries, heavy vans, buses and coaches follow separate Low Emission Zone requirements rather than ULEZ rules. Vehicles registered outside the UK must also meet the emissions standards or pay the daily charge.

Who it is applicable to

ULEZ applies to:

• All drivers entering or travelling within the zone.
• Residents, businesses, visitors and commuters.
• UK‑registered and non‑UK‑registered vehicles.
• Cars, vans, motorcycles, minibuses and specialist light vehicles within the relevant weight limits.

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The majority of vehicles now driven in London meet the emissions standards, so most drivers do not pay the charge.

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UK countries and regions where it is applicable

The ULEZ is not UK‑wide legislation. It applies only in England, within:

• Greater London – covering all London boroughs.

The ULEZ does not apply in:

• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

These countries may operate or plan their own clean‑air or low‑emission measures, but the London ULEZ applies exclusively to the London region.

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1.     Vehicle Emissions Compliance Evidence

• Proof of vehicle emissions standard (e.g., Euro 4 for petrol, Euro 6 for diesel, Euro 3 for motorcycles).
• DVLA vehicle registration documents showing emissions classification.
• Manufacturer emissions data or conformity certificates.
• Evidence that vehicles meet ULEZ standards after manufacturer updates or recalls.
• Documentation for any approved retrofit emissions‑reduction technology.

2.     Payment and Charging Records

• Records of daily ULEZ charge payments for non‑compliant vehicles.
• Auto Pay account statements showing charges paid and dates.
• Evidence of penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued and resolved.
• Logs tracking vehicle entry dates and payment status.

3.     Fleet Management Documentation

• Fleet lists identifying which vehicles are compliant, non‑compliant or exempt.
• Vehicle replacement or upgrade records for improving compliance.
• Procurement records for new low‑emission or zero‑emission vehicles.
• Internal policies on vehicle use within the ULEZ boundary.

4.     Exemption and Discount Evidence

• Documentation confirming any applicable exemptions (e.g., disabled tax class or specialist vehicle exemptions).
• Records demonstrating eligibility and approval for temporary discounts or grace periods.

5.     Operational Monitoring Records

• Journey logs showing when vehicles entered or travelled within the ULEZ.
• GPS or telematics data demonstrating route planning or avoidance of the zone.
• Compliance checks carried out by fleet managers.

6.     Policies and Organisational Controls

• Policies addressing vehicle emissions compliance and environmental performance.
• Staff guidance or training records regarding use of vehicles in the ULEZ.
• Environmental or sustainability plans referencing reductions in vehicle emissions.

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