How To Avoid Paying The ULEZ Charge. ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone, which is a charge that applies to most vehicles driving in central London. The aim of the ULEZ is to improve air quality and reduce pollution by encouraging drivers to use cleaner and greener vehicles. The ULEZ charge is £12.50 per day for cars, motorcycles and vans, and £100 per day for lorries, buses and coaches. The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except Christmas Day.

If you want to avoid paying the ULEZ charge, you have a few options. One is to switch to a vehicle that meets the ULEZ standards, which are:

– Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles
– Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
– Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
– Euro VI for lorries, buses and coaches and other heavy vehicles

You can check if your vehicle meets the ULEZ standards on the Transport for London website. If you switch to a compliant vehicle, you will not only save money on the ULEZ charge, but also on the Congestion Charge and the Low Emission Zone charge, which are separate schemes that also apply in London.

Another option is to use public transport, cycling or walking instead of driving. London has an extensive network of buses, trains, tubes, trams and river services that can get you around the city quickly and conveniently. You can also use the Santander Cycles scheme, which lets you hire a bike from one of the many docking stations across London. Cycling and walking are not only good for your health and the environment, but also free of any charges.

A third option is to apply for a discount or exemption from the ULEZ charge. There are some categories of vehicles and users that are eligible for a reduced or zero charge, such as:

– Residents who live within the ULEZ zone
– Disabled people who have a blue badge or a disabled tax class vehicle
– Vehicles that have a historic tax class (vehicles built before 1979)
– Taxis and private hire vehicles that are wheelchair accessible
– Military vehicles
– Certain types of agricultural and forestry vehicles

You can find out more about the discounts and exemptions on the Transport for London website. You will need to register your vehicle and provide proof of eligibility to claim a discount or exemption.

The ULEZ is part of London’s plan to tackle air pollution and improve public health. By following these tips, you can get ULEZ for free or at a lower cost, while also contributing to a cleaner and greener city.