A pollution charging zone for drivers travelling in London will expand from tomorrow.
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone, or ULEZ as it is more commonly known, currently operates within the capital's congestion charge zone.
But from tomorrow (Monday October 25), anyone driving within the newly expanded zone whose vehicle doesn't comply with minimum emissions standards will be charged £12.50.
This change will have no impact on drivers travelling in Hertfordshire but any Herts drivers venturing into certain parts of London should be aware of the new regulations, with the new zone 18 times greater than the current one.
What is the ULEZ?
The ULEZ is an "ultra-low emission zone", which has been operating in central London since 2019.
Vehicles travelling within the ULEZ must meet certain emission standards otherwise the driver is liable to paying a charge.
If a vehicle fails to meet the standards, there is a £12.50 daily fee (charges can vary for other vehicles).
The zone is operated by Transport for London and it is in operation 24 hours a day throughout the year, except Christmas Day.
Where is it being expanded to and when?
The ULEZ in London currently operates within the congestion charging zone in central London.
But from Monday October 25, it is expanding to - but not including - the A406 North and South Circular roads.
Vehicles won't need to meet ULEZ standards to travel on the A406 itself but venture within it and they will.
Almost all drivers - whether they live in London or not - will have to meet ULEZ standards to drive within the zone for free.
Which areas fall in and outside the new zone?
For many of us in Hertfordshire, the expansion of the ULEZ in London may be insignificant.
However, there are some places which fall just within the zone that drivers should probably be aware of. This includes the likes of Golders Green, Cricklewood, Harlesden, Wood Green, and Tottenham as well as everywhere else within the North and South Circular.
Perhaps one of the most popular north London destinations is Brent Cross Shopping Centre. The shopping centre and its car parks fall just outside the zone. Both Westfield shopping centres fall within the expanded ULEZ.
The ULEZ expansion does not affect places like Edgware, Stanmore, Harrow, Pinner, High Barnet to name just a few. Although these areas are in London, they all fall outside the ULEZ as they are outside of the A406.
Which vehicles do and don't meet emission standards?
Tens of thousands of drivers have vehicles that don't meet minimum emission standards.
For diesel cars to avoid the charge they must generally have been first registered after September 2015, while most petrol models registered from 2005 are also exempt.
Transport for London has an online checker tool which allows drivers to put in their number plate to see whether their vehicle meets ULEZ standards.
How do I know if I have entered the ULEZ?
TfL says signs at every entry point will tell you when you are entering the zone and advance information signs will be installed on surrounding major roads.
There are no barriers or toll booths. Instead, cameras will read your number plate as you drive within the zone and check it against TfL's database.
How do I pay the ULEZ charge?
Drivers can pay in advance or on the day of travel. If you forget to pay the charge you have up to midnight three charging days after you have travelled to pay the charge and avoid a fine.
To find out more about how and when to pay the ULEZ charge - and what happens if you don't pay - visit this TfL page here.
Why has the ULEZ been expanded?
London mayor Sadiq Khan says the ULEZ has already cut nitrogen dioxide pollution by nearly half in central London.
He said: "London’s toxic air is a health crisis causing long-lasting harm to our children and contributing to thousands of premature deaths.
"The expansion of the zone on October 25 means many more Londoners across the city will enjoy the benefits of cleaner, healthier air."
TfL says money received from the ULEZ will be reinvested into improving London's transport network - including its cycleways, buses and Tube - and helping to improve the city's air quality.
For more information about the ULEZ expansion, visit https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/ulez-expansion
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