- The Ultra Low Emission Zone will expand across all London boroughs from 29th August 2023
- Eligible Londoners can qualify for a new, TfL-backed vehicle scrappage scheme
- £110m has been set aside for the scheme by London Mayor Sadiq Khan
As part of ongoing efforts to improve air quality and health in the nation’s capital, the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which has been in place since 2019, is expanding this year.
The ULEZ initially covered the same area as the Congestion Charge zone, which was introduced back in 2003 under then-Mayor Ken Livingston.
It was first expanded in October 2021 to reach to the perimeter of the North and South Circular roads, incorporating many inner London boroughs. The planned August 2023 expansion will see the ULEZ cover all London boroughs, an area of almost 600 square miles.
£110m scrappage scheme
To encourage owners of vehicles that don’t meet the emissions standards to change their transport options and to support with the cost of this, a new scrappage scheme is being introduced.
The new scheme is available to Londoners who meet particular criteria, such as being on a low income or disability benefits.
This scrappage scheme has some key differences to previous schemes. Firstly, it’s not purely about scrapping vehicles – applicants can get a grant to retrofit their vehicle to meet the ULEZ standard.