Does the London Ultra-Low Emission Zone affect me?
Van drivers, lorry drivers, coach drivers get ready: the London ultra-low emission zone, which is designed to reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide in the Capital's atmosphere, is due to expand from central London to the boundaries of the North and South Circular roads on October 25 2021. This means that the area will be 18 times bigger than it is currently.
Owners of vehicles that do not adhere to the new emissions standards will have to pay £12.50 a day each time their vehicle moves in the zone.
Anyone driving a petrol car that does not meet Euro 4 standards – typically any car sold before 2006 – will have to pay the daily charge. The biggest impact, however, is likely to be felt by drivers of diesel vehicles that do not hit the Euro 6 standard, which is most vehicles bought before September 2015.
City Hall estimates that about one in five vehicles in the enlarged 140sq mile zone will be liable to pay the 24/7 levy – 100,000 cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries. The AA puts the figure at up to 350,000 London motorists being affected.
If driving in London is an essential part of your business and your vehicles don't adhere to the new standards, the only practical way to avoid the charge is to replace them. The good news is that there are a number of excellent leasing and hire purchase deals available from finance companies that are keen to get their lending volumes back on track following the pandemic.
Please get in contact if you would like help with sourcing and applying for a competitive facility.