Extended London ULEZ in operation from today

London's expanded Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) has come into force today, covering an area that's roughly 18 times larger than before. Drivers with cars that aren't compliant now face a daily £12.50 charge.

First launched in 2019 to cover the same area as the central London congestion charge zone, the ULEZ now covers all roads within the city's North and South Circular ring roads, the A406 and A205. The North and South Circular themselves do not fall within the zone.

Unlike the congestion charge zone, which currently remains unchanged, the ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, except on Christmas Day.

In addition, the cleaner vehicle discount for the London congestion charge has now stopped, removing exemption for plug-in hybrid vehicles emitting less than 75g/km CO2. From today only zero-emissions battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles can drive in the congestion charge zone without paying.

Read on to find out more and make sure you're not caught out by the new changes.

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What's the ULEZ charge?

Penalties for the most polluting vehicles were originally brought in to reduce toxic vehicle emissions, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO2), which is linked to both heart disease and dementia.

The first Central London ULEZ zone has seen some success, with local NO2 levels reportedly reduced by 44%, while the number of cleaner, emissions-compliant vehicles has risen from 39% to 80%.

Extending the zone is part of Mayor Sadiq Khan's transport strategy to promote alternative modes of transport within the city.

While four out of five vehicles within the newly-expanded zone are estimated to already be compliant, Transport for London states that around 135,000 cars and vans could be liable to pay charges for driving within it.

The area will be monitored by over 700 cameras and drivers who refuse to pay could be issued a £160 fine.

How will the ULEZ ultra-low emission zone affect car owners?

Is my car affected by ULEZ?

The rules around emissions limits are unchanged and are based on a car's emissions certification.

Petrol cars have to meet the Euro 4 official standard, which was introduced in 2005, while diesel cars are penalised more heavily and have to meet the much newer Euro 6 standard, which was brought in in 2014.

However, most cars are built to comply with emissions legislation well ahead of time, so it's worth checking if your individual model is affected. Enter your registration number into the Government's online vehicle checker, to find out if you have to pay either the ULEZ or congestion charge.

You can also find out whether an address is located within the ULEZ zone.