Introduced in 2019 to improve air quality, driving through the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) can be a costly journey if your van doesn’t meet the required emission standards.
The zone operates 24/7 and requires those vehicles that do not meet the required criteria to pay a daily fee to pass through. It should not be confused with the Low Emission Zone, which affects HGVs and specialist vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or the Congestion Charge, which applies to all vehicles entering central London.
Emission Standards for Vans
Today, ULEZ compliance requires vehicles to meet at least Euro 4 standards for petrol vans and Euro 6 standards for diesel vans.
• Euro 4 (introduced in 2006): Petrol vehicles must emit no more than 1.0g/km of CO, 0.1g/km of hydrocarbon, and 0.08g/km of NOx.
• Euro 6 (introduced in 2015): Diesel vehicles must emit no more than 0.5g/km of CO, 0.17g/km of hydrocarbons and NOx (including 0.08g/km of the latter), with limits on particulate matter.
If you want to check your vehicle, you can use Transport for London’s online checker to verify your van’s emission.
Charges and penalties
Non-compliant vans weighing up to 3.5 tonnes incur a daily ULEZ charge of £12.50, while larger vehicles like lorries and buses will face a £100 fee. The charge applies from midnight to midnight, meaning entering the ULEZ late one day and leaving after midnight incurs fees for two days.
Failure to pay the fee results in a penalty of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. Charges can be paid on TfL’s website or app, through Auto Pay (without registration fees), or by phone.
Cleaner alternatives
Businesses are increasingly adopting electric and plug-in hybrid vans to future-proof against emissions regulations. Electric vans, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, are exempt from ULEZ charges and Congestion Charges until the 25th December 2025.
While ULEZ compliance is achievable with petrol and diesel vans meeting Euro 4 and Euro 6 standards, electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer long-term cost benefits and a way to sidestep the Congestion Charge altogether!