London – Ultra Low Emission Zone

In 2018 the London Mayor committed to improving air quality in his London Environment Strategy, published in May 2018. In it he recognised that “the environment has a big influence on the quality of Londoners’ lives, it has people and their experience of living, working and spending time in the city at its heart”.

As such yesterday the 8th April saw the launch of his Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge to deter the most polluting vehicles from entering central London. This is an additional charge imposed in Central London to the Congestion Zone charge. There are plans to extend the zone in 2021 so that it enclosed within the North and South circular roads and even turn central London into a Zero Emissions Zone by 2025.

Karen Smith, Associate Director for Traffic and Transportation at Sanderson Associates commented that “this is an important step for London and the Mayor if it is their desire to make the quality of the breathable air the best of any major city by 2050. It shows how serious the Mayor is taking the issue. It also highlights how a dedicated and accurate Transport Assessment and Travel Plan for new developments can help reduce single car usage, promote cleaner fuels and increase the use of public transport and other forms of sustainable travel in the city”.

Transport for London (TfL) has an online vehicle checker which indicates if your vehicle will be subject to the ULEZ charge.