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ULEZ raises more than £1 billion from drivers

August 28, 2024 by David Motton

  • Over £1 billion raised in revenues
  • ULEZ raised over £226 million in first year since expansion
  • Different cities use different criteria to operate their schemes
  • Use Carwow ULEZ Checker to see if your car complies

The UK’s Low Emission, Clean Air and Zero Emission Zones have brought in £1,044,381,971 of revenue since April 2019, according to Freedom of Information requests by Peugeot.

And the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has raised more than £226 million alone in its first year.

Here’s the full breakdown of revenue by zone:

The £1 billion total doesn’t include the Bristol Clean Air Zone which plans to publish data later in the year.

Confusingly, the 13 different zones across the country have different requirements. To travel within the London ULEZ without paying the daily charge of £12.50, diesel vehicles must meet the Euro 6 standard and petrol cars must be at least Euro 4 compliant.

However if you drive into Glasgow’s clean air zone with a car that doesn’t meet its emissions standards, then you will be automatically fined £60 – you cannot pay a daily charge.

Unsure if your car makes the grade? It’s easy to check using the carwow ULEZ checker. Just enter your reg number to find out if your car meets the emissions standard. The check is free of charge.

ULEZ/CAZ Checker

Fines are one of the ways the ULEZ has raised so much money in the first year since its expansion, with a penalty charge of £180. It’s possible to halve the fine by paying within two weeks. Fail to pay within 28 days and the cost goes up by another £90.

Nine of the 13 emission zones across the country also charge non-compliant vehicles, with a Penalty Charge Notice for drivers who fail to pay the daily charge.

Electric cars are exempt from the ULEZ payment, as well as the other similar zones across the country. Zero-exhaust-emission cars also avoid the £15 London Congestion Charge payment, which adds up to a big saving for anyone who regularly drives in the capital.

Whatever electric or ULEZ/Clean Air Zone compliant car you are thinking of buying, Carwow can help you find a great deal whether you plan a buy an electric car or a lease one.

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