NB: The London ULEZ has now come into effect. Here's our guide to everything classic car drivers need to know about it
Plans to implement an Ultra Low Emissions Zone in central London were given the go-ahead last week, along with news that all historic vehicles will be exempt from any charges or restrictions. The 24-hours-a-day seven-days-a-week ULEZ will share the same borders as the current Congestion Charge Zone and will come into effect on 7 September 2020.
Petrol cars built before 1 January 2006 and motorcycles older than 1 July 2007 are likely to fall foul of the new regulations, as will most diesel vehicles manufactured before September 2015 (a handful produced in the year before will meet the required standard). However, agricultural, military, non-road-going construction vehicles and some mobile cranes will be given a permanent reprieve – as will all historic vehicles that are eligible for VED exemption.
If the rolling exemption system continues, by the time the ULEZ comes into effect, any car built before 1 January 1980 wil be unaffected by the new regulations, which will result in non-compliant vehicles being charged £12.50 per day to enter the zone, with the fine for HGVs, busses and coaches being set at £100.
People currently living within the ULEZ will be granted a three-year sunset period with 100% discount to give them more time to meet the ULEZ standards, which will expire on 6 September 2023.
