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ULEZ Expansion

London's air quality has long been a cause for concern, with polluting vehicles being the primary contributor to poor air quality in the city. The Ultra Low Emission Zone was introduced to tackle this issue and has recently expanded across all London boroughs to bring the health benefits of cleaner air to all Londoners. In this article, we will explore the impact of the ULEZ expansion, the benefits the ULEZ expansion offers, and the options available for those affected.

The Need for Action

Air pollution in London has significant health implications, with thousands of premature deaths attributed to poor air quality each year. Conditions such as cancer, asthma, lung disease, and even dementia have been linked to exposure to air pollution. In fact, the highest number of air pollution-related deaths occur in outer London areas. This alarming situation necessitated the ULEZ expansion across all London boroughs.

Understanding the ULEZ Expansion

The Ultra Low Emissions Zone operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for Christmas Day. Drivers of vehicles that do not meet specific ULEZ emission standards are required to pay a daily charge to drive within the zone. The ULEZ expansion will work the exact same as the already standing zone. The ULEZ expansion aims to reduce the number of polluting vehicles on the streets and promote cleaner forms of transport.

Compliance with ULEZ Emissions Standards

To determine whether your vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards, you can use the vehicle checker provided by Transport for London (TfL). Surprisingly, nine out of ten cars seen driving in outer London already meet the ULEZ emissions standards, which means the majority of drivers will not be affected by the ULEZ expansion. However, it is crucial to check your vehicle's compliance to avoid any unexpected charges for not meeting the ULEZ emissions standards

Charges and Payment

If your vehicle does not meet the ULEZ emissions standards and you drive within the zone, you may face a daily charge of £12.50. To pay this charge, you can visit the TfL website and make the payment manually, or you can set up Auto Pay for automatic payments. It is worth noting that residents in the zone do not need to pay the charge if their non-compliant vehicle is parked within the zone and not driven.

Non-UK Registered Vehicles

Owners of non-UK registered vehicles are also required to meet the ULEZ emissions standards or pay the daily charge to drive within the zone. These vehicles need to be registered with TfL's partner, EPC plc, even if they meet the ULEZ emissions standards. This registration process ensures compliance with the ULEZ emissions standards and regulations.

ULEZ Expansion Support and Options

The ULEZ expansion brings about various support options for vehicle owners who do not meet the ULEZ emissions standards. These ULEZ emissions standards aim to facilitate the transition to cleaner forms of transport and mitigate the financial impact of the ULEZ expansion charges.

Scrappage Scheme

London residents with vehicles that do not meet the ULEZ emissions standards can apply for the Mayor of London's scrappage scheme. This scheme, funded with £160 million, provides financial incentives to scrap non-compliant vehicles. Successful applicants may receive a payment to scrap their vehicle or choose a lower payment combined with TfL Annual Bus & Tram passes. Additionally, small businesses, sole traders, and registered charities in London can apply to scrap or retrofit up to three vans or minibusses and receive an increased grant payment towards a vehicle that meets the ULEZ emissions standards.

Support Offers

In addition to the scrappage scheme, there are exclusive ULEZ expansion support offers available for successful applicants and all London residents. These offers aim to encourage the adoption of cleaner forms of transport and provide incentives, irrespective of whether an individual is part of the scrappage scheme or not.

Discounts and Exemptions

To ensure a smooth transition for disabled Londoners and community transport providers, the ULEZ expansion includes discounts and exemptions. These ULEZ expansion measures provide temporary relief from the charges for specific groups and situations.

Temporary Exemptions

Temporary exemptions from the ULEZ expansion charges are in place for community transport minibusses, recipients of certain disability-related benefits, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These exemptions provide relief from the charges until specific dates, allowing affected individuals and organizations to make the necessary adjustments.

The Positive Impact

The Ultra Low Emission Zone has already demonstrated its effectiveness in improving London's air quality. Key findings from the Inner London ULEZ expansion One Year Report indicate that the Ultra Low Emissions Zone, along with other air quality policies, has significantly reduced the number of older, polluting vehicles on London's streets. This reduction in vehicles has resulted in lower levels of harmful air pollution, benefiting the health and well-being of Londoners, so the ULEZ expansion can only improve this.

Noteworthy achievements of the ULEZ include a nearly 50% reduction in toxic Nitrogen Dioxide pollution in central London and a five times faster reduction of pollution compared to the rest of the UK between 2016 and 2020. Furthermore, it is estimated that over one million hospital admissions will be averted by 2050 due to the positive impact of the ULEZ expansion.

Norton Way Group and ULEZ Expansion

Norton Way Group, a prominent automotive company, is committed to supporting Londoners and businesses in their transition to cleaner vehicles during the ULEZ expansion. Norton Way Group offers a wide range of low-emission and electric vehicles that meet the ULEZ emissions standards. Their expertise and dedication to sustainable mobility make them an ideal partner for those looking to comply with the ULEZ emissions standards.

Conclusion