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The 100% discount on plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) entering London’s congestion charge zone has been scrapped.

The PHEV exemption was withdrawn on Monday, October 25 to coincide with the launch of London’s expanded ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ).

The expanded ULEZ covers an area up to, but not including, the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).

It is 18 times larger than the original central London ULEZ, which occupied the same area as the congestion charge zone.

Transport for London (TfL) estimates that 100,000 cars, 35,000 vans and 3,000 lorries could potentially be affected by the tighter standards in the expanded area every day.

Speaking at a Cross River Partnership webinar on the ULEZ expansion, Tanya Ferguson, senior policy and programmes officer for the Greater London Authority (GLA), said: “We’re ending the cleaner vehicle discount for plug-in hybrids in recognition of the point that vehicles (irrespective of emissions) contribute to congestion and we want to be encouraging a shift to walking, cycling and public transport.”

Prior to the change, only vehicles that emitted no more than 75g/km of CO2 and had a minimum 20-mile zero emission capable range, qualified for the 100% cleaner vehicle discount.

Now, only battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are eligible for the cleaner vehicle discount, which Transport for London (TfL) says will be scrapped altogether from December 25, 2025.

From this date, it says all vehicle owners, unless in receipt of another discount or exemption, will need to pay to enter the congestion charge zone during charging hours.

Currently, the congestion charge, which is in addition to the ULEZ charge, operates from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, with drivers paying £15 to enter the zone.

The congestion charge zone fee was increased by 30%, from £11.50 a day, and the hours of operation extended by four hours a day and applied at weekends for the first time from June 2020, as a result of a funding agreement between the Government and TfL.

However, TfL is running a consultation on the future operation of the congestion charge, with the main proposals including no charges in the evenings to support London’s recovery, operating between 12-6pm on weekends and retaining the current charge level of £15.

The proposed new weekend charging hours are targeted at reducing congestion at the busiest times, says TfL.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Survey also shows young drivers were more likely to panic buy fuel than older motorists.

Recent fuel shortages have made a third of UK motorists more likely to buy an electric vehicle (EV), according to new research out this week. A study of 2,000 UK drivers by Volkswagen Financial Services found 35 percent of those questioned said they would be more likely to go electric thanks to the fuel shortage.

The shortages of late September and early October of this year saw queues at petrol stations amid a panic buying spree after a small number of petrol stations announced they were unable to get fuel deliveries. As a result, some petrol stations limited the amount customers could buy, while others had to close pumps because they ran out of fuel.

Volkswagen Financial Services’ study found 30 percent of 18-24-year-olds and 31 percent of 25-34-year-olds admitted to panic-buying fuel. In comparison, just seven percent of 55-64-year-olds made the same admission, as did a mere three percent of 65-74-year-olds.

Regionally, the south-east – one of the regions hit hardest by the fuel shortage – saw the most widespread panic buying, with 17 percent confessing they had headed to the pumps unnecessarily. That number fell to just seven percent in Scotland.

Perhaps more importantly, though, the Volkswagen Financial Services survey shows the impact of the shortage on buyers’ intentions, with more than a third saying they are more likely to go electric when they come to change their car. Similarly, 32 percent of Brits say they are likely to buy a second-hand electric vehicle when the time comes to change their car.

“Electric vehicles have never been more popular than they are today and it’s clear from our research that the recent fuel crisis has only accelerated the surge in demand for electric cars and their new technologies,” said Rebecca Whitmore, the electric vehicle senior product owner at Volkswagen Financial Services UK. “However, to meet the government’s decarbonisation targets, we need the take-up of EVs to be much higher.

“The average length of each car journey in the UK is fewer than 10 miles, so there’s still a lot of work to be done to alter the wider public’s perception of their driving habits, because an electric car would slot into the average person’s daily life more seamlessly than they probably imagine. As EV technology continues to improve and these vehicles continue to become more affordable and accessible, it won’t be too long before we have mainstream adoption in the UK.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Motor1.com

While it’s second nature for humans to wear a seatbelt when entering a car, many drivers are breaking the law when it comes to traveling with pets – and it could land you a huge penalty fine of up to £5,000.

Tens of thousands of drivers could be breaking the law when it comes to traveling with pets – and it could land many of them an on-the-spot penalty fine.

That’s because not buckling your dog, cat or other furry friend in is actually in breach of the Highway Code – because impulse behaviour could trigger an accident.

While the code does not stipulate where animals can be placed, motorists are also warned to avoid putting them on front seats if your car does not have certain preventions in place.

Car expert Mark Tongue at Select Car Leasing, explains: “Most dog owners will know they need to keep their pet suitably restrained when they’re in a car, as stipulated by the Highway Code.

“But many owners are left confused as to whether dogs are allowed in the front seat or not. It’s something of a grey area.

“Whilst not particularly recommended – dogs should generally be in the backseat or boot for their own safety.

“You should only ever have your dog by your side while driving if you’re able, and know how, to disable the front passenger airbag, as some vehicles don’t actually have an override function.

“Failing to disable the airbag could result in catastrophic injuries for a dog. An airbag is designed to provide protection for a human, not a canine, and the cushioning is simply in the wrong place.

“When an airbag deploys it does so with so much force it could even crush a dog cage.”

Disabling the front passenger airbag differs according to the vehicle manufacturer and model.

To turn it off, you’ll typically find the switch either in the glove box or located on the left hand side of the passenger dashboard.

If you can’t find one, shotgun trips for your ball-chasing friend should be banned.

Tongue adds that if you are considering carrying your dog in the front of your car, be sure to move the seat as far back as it will go, minimising the risk of the dog striking the glovebox or windscreen during a collision.

“We’d recommend you don’t let your dog stick its head out of the window,” he explains.

“Not only does that potentially illustrate that the animal is not restrained properly, there’s also the obvious risk of its head coming into contact with something, like a bush or a tree, resulting in a bad injury.

“And make no mistake – if you don’t have your dog properly restrained, and it’s causing distraction, you could be prosecuted by the law.”

Recent research by the Dogs Trust found 76% of dogs have no formal training on how to behave in the car, while only 60% of people believe that having a dog unrestrained in the car is dangerous.

They advise that dogs should not travel in the front of the car and the Trust suggest ensuring a dog is well hydrated before a journey.

If you’re just getting your dog used to the car for the first time, make sure you bring something along that’ll offer some reassurance, such as a blanket or toy, and which carries its scent.

And begin with short journeys before progressing to longer ones – and always try to find journeys with a positive association at the end of it, such as a walk in the woods, rather than a visit to the vet!

What’s the risk?

The risk is a fine of up to £5,000 for ‘careless driving’ as well as the risk of an accident on the road.

Rachel Wait, at MoneySuperMarket, explains: “While driving with your pet in your car – whether in the boot or on a seat – might seem like a harmless way of getting from A to B, the truth is you can risk invalidating your car insurance.

“If you’re in a prang with an unrestrained pet in your car, insurers may use it against you – regardless of whether it was as a direct result of the animal itself – so it’s worth being on the safe side and making sure ‘man’s best friend’ is properly restrained.

“Always read your policy in full to make sure you have the correct level of cover for your needs. If not, shop around to see if you are getting the best deal – you could save up to £245 per year simply by switching provider, and it doesn’t take long to do.”

What the law says

According to the Highway Code, unrestrained pets could cause accidents, near misses or emergency stops.

It states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.

“A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

And while breaking the Highway Code doesn’t carry a direct penalty, if you’re deemed to be distracted on the road, you can be fined £1,000 on the spot for ‘careless driving’. This carries a maximum fine of £5,000 and nine penalty points depending on the severity of it.

In extreme cases, the incident could also result in a driving ban and a compulsory re-test.

The law recommends a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or guard as ways of restraining your pet while driving. By Graham Hill thanks to The Mirror

Before I get to this report from Car magazine I have a couple of observations of my own. Firstly, I’ve known of drivers receiving an end of contract charge to buff out the ‘Swirl Effect’ on the paintwork caused by constant use of a car wash and it wasn’t cheap. In my opinion the occasional use of a carwash is fine but regular use may cause this effect on the paintwork.

The answer may be to use a roadside handwash but these can be equally as dangerous because the pre-wash spray that some use can damage paintwork, rubber, plastic and attach the alloy wheels. I remember in one report I ran the spray was little short of diluted acid intended to degrease industrial equipment. Check that they are using a proprietary brand of pre-wash to lift the grime.

On to the Car report:

► Are automatic car washes good for your car?

► Why they may not be

► And what you can do moving forward

The Best Car Cleaning Products

We’ve all been caught at the crossroads between convenience and quality when it comes to washing a car, and while taking your car through an automatic car wash may seem innocuous every now and then, you’re not only doing your car a disservice in terms of cleanliness, you’re also damaging its finish.

But what kind of damage can be unknowingly inflicted upon a car’s paint by going through an automatic car wash?

According to Damon Lawrence who runs automotive detailing business Auto Attention, car washes are a major cause of paintwork getting damaged. ‘

‘Automatic car washes, as much as they are convenient, are abrading your paintwork because the brushes used aren’t properly maintained,’ Damon says.

‘These machines are essentially like slapping your car with a dirty mop, causing hundreds of deep micro scratches called swirl marks. Over time, this damage builds and eventually results in your paint becoming dull and the scratches become easily noticeable.

‘Repairing the swirl marks is done through a process called paint correction. This process cuts down the peaks of your paintwork to level out any swirl marks seen on the surface.

This process can only be done so many times due to a car’s clear coat being a certain thickness, depending on your manufacturer. The cost of this process varies but on average costs over £1000.’

And if you try to skirt the issue by using a touch-free automatic car wash, chances are you’re still doing damage.

‘Unfortunately as perfect as the idea sounds, not only do touch-free washes use aggressive acids to cut down the grime which can eat away paint, the high pressure hose simply won’t clean it 100%.’

So what’s the alternative for time-poor car owners who still want clean cars?

Applying a ceramic coating is a great way for your car to stay clean in the first place.

The hydrophobic properties will make it harder for dirt and grime to stick to the car’s paintwork, while also encapsulating and rinsing off dirt when it rains.

But, if you want to take the best care of your car’s paint, ‘it is always best to do it yourself and use the two bucket wash method, making sure to use clean microfibre materials when touching the car.’  By Graham Hill thanks to Car Magazine.

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) is predicting record pump prices of 142ppl for petrol and 148ppl for diesel, set in April 2012, will be broken well before the end of the year.

Experian Catalist UK averages for October 19 were 141.35ppl and 144.84ppl, respectively.

The primary reason is the rise and rise of crude oil costs which recently hit $US85/barrel for Brent Crude.

This involves more than a 50% increase since January 2021 and has been caused by a cutback in production from OPEC countries and Russia at the same time as the global economies are staging a rapid economic turnround from the global pandemic, says the PRA.

There is no immediate sign of a change to this position and some analysts have talked about further oil price rises to $US100/barrel by Christmas.

Current average pump prices across the UK are being softened by some of the largest retailers who typically benefit from a three or even four-week lag to their delivered fuel prices.

Only last week, two major grocery retailers in Belfast were vying for business by offering fuel at below standard wholesale cost with pump prices as low as 125.9ppl for petrol and 130.9ppl for diesel.

Another less obvious reason for the wholesale price increase relates to the production profile obtaining in Western Europe, says the PRA.

S&P Global Platts advised PRA: “Physical spot market activity has seen Gasoline and diesel rise in tandem with the wider energy complex, and this has a knock-on effect, boosting retail prices for road and heating fuels.

“Lower stock levels in Northwest Europe are tightening supply and this is accompanied by stronger demand for gasoline in the US, which is an export outlet for the European gasoline market. There’s also stronger demand in the petrochemical sector, which is attracting certain components that would be otherwise destined to gasoline blending.

“The picture for diesel is not dissimilar, with limited refinery output coupled with stronger demand across Europe and a boost of demand from the heating fuels lifting values across the entire gasoil complex.”

The average price of a litre of petrol and diesel rose in September to make a tank £12 more expensive than a year ago, according to new RAC Fuel Watch data.

A full tank of diesel is now £76.59 – up £1.40 in September and £11.63 more than a year ago, the data found.  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The Government needs to start developing a new road pricing scheme now to ensure a smooth transition from today’s emissions-based motoring tax regime.

That was the message from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) to the Transport Committee, which is conducting an inquiry into road pricing.

BVRLA director of corporate affairs, Toby Poston, told MPs that there is a clear need for a new national road pricing scheme to be developed as more zero emission vehicles are seen on UK roads.

“We are removing fossil fuels from the equation, so the current emissions-based tax system will see revenues plummet,” he said.

“Any new road pricing scheme must be easy to pay and have the simple objective of providing a revenue-neutral replacement for fuel duty and Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

“It should be based on a simple ‘distance driven’ model that considers vehicle weight, emissions and use case, with discounts given to shared mobility solutions – such as car clubs, rental cars, buses and taxis – to incentivise more sustainable travel choices.”

With the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars and vans ending from 2030 and hybrids from 2035, and the Government consulting on a ban on new diesel trucks from 2040, the number of plug-in vehicle registrations is estimated to rise rapidly to around 3 million by 2025, 10 million by 2030 and 25 million by 2035.

KPMG’s Mobility 2030 team expects the already-growing sale of zero emission cars and vans to reach 98% of sales in 2031 and 27% of the parc by 2030.

Dwindling tax take from EVs

It leaves the Treasury urgently needing a plan to plug a potential £40bn shortfall from road taxes, including fuel duty.

At £28.4bn in 2019-2020 (excluding VAT), tax revenues from the fuel duty account for a significant 2% of GDP, while Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) receipts were estimated to account for £6.5bn.

Poston told the Transport Committee: “It is imperative that road pricing is considered and trialled now to ensure a smooth transition into a new system.

“Drivers and fleet operators need clarity on future taxation as they make the transition to zero emission road transport.”

The session also included representatives from RAC Foundation, the Renewable Energy Association and the Road Haulage Association. The phasing out of petrol and diesel vehicles puts around £34bn of fuel duty revenue at risk. By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

The Government published its Net Zero Strategy ahead of COP26, including proposals for a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate forcing manufacturers to sell a certain proportion of electric vehicles (EVs).

The new net zero strategy aims to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to reach a target of net zero by 2050.

It includes commitments around transport, including a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which it says will help deliver on the Government’s 2030 commitment to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, and 2035 commitment that all cars must be fully zero emissions capable.

It says that ministers will earmark a further £620 million for zero emission vehicle grants and EV infrastructure, including funding for local EV infrastructure, with a focus on local on street residential charging.

It is also allocating a further £350m of its £1 billion Automotive Transformation Fund (ATF) to support the electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains.

Furthermore, it says it will expand zero emission road freight trials to include three zero emission HGV technologies at scale on UK roads to determine their operational benefits, as well as their infrastructure needs.

“A well-designed, flexible regulatory framework could help maintain or even increase this pace to ensure we deliver on our shared decarbonisation ambitions,” Mike Hawes, SMMT

In the forward for the new strategy, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, says: “This strategy sets out how we will make historic transitions to remove carbon from our power, retire the internal combustion engine from our vehicles and start to phase out gas boilers from our homes. But it also shows how we will do this fairly by making carbon-free alternatives cheaper.

“We will make sure what you pay for green, clean electricity is competitive with carbon-laden gas, and with most of our electricity coming from the wind farms of the North Sea or state-of-the-art British nuclear reactors we will reduce our vulnerability to sudden price rises caused by fluctuating international fossil fuel markets.”

The ZEV mandate will require a percentage of manufacturers’ new car and van sales to be zero emission each year from 2024.

ZEV mandate plans consulted on next year

The Government says it will consult on its ZEV mandate plans in early 2022. It will seek views on the design of the ZEV mandate (including uptake trajectories) and CO2 emissions regulation (as a backstop to ensure standards in the remainder of the fleet are maintained), and how and when targets will be set and enforced.

Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), said: “This is uncharted territory for the automotive industry, and it is vital that any future ZEV mandate includes a review mechanism to assess potential market failures. The mandate must also take account of the very different uptake trajectories seen between cars and vans.”

The mandate, explains Keaney, will need to be backed up by some equally ambitious policy measures aimed at delivering EV demand.

He added: “We hope that next week’s Budget will see the Government commit to providing long-term financial support and tax incentives that will accelerate the roll-out of public and private charging infrastructure and absorb the price premium that many prospective electric vehicle users are still faced with.”  

Industry figures show more than 650,000 new plug-in cars have been registered in the UK since 2010, and more than one in seven cars sold so far in 2021 had a plug.

Furthermore, there are now 20 EV models that come with a range of more than 200 miles compared to the early Nissan Leaf models that delivered 60 miles, and battery prices are little more than a tenth of what they were in 2010.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “A well-designed, flexible regulatory framework could help maintain or even increase this pace to ensure we deliver on our shared decarbonisation ambitions.”

He continued: “To ensure we have the reliable, accessible and nationwide charge point network this transition needs, however, requires a similar regulatory approach.

“The announcement of additional funds for on-street residential charging must energise much-needed private sector investment but consumers will only have confidence in the future if there are commensurate and binding requirements on the infrastructure sector.

“Combining regulatory commitments with financial ones is the key to a successful transition to zero-emission road transport.”

Paul Willcox, managing director of Vauxhall, also welcomed the ZEV mandate plan, which he says will provide clarity to the UK motor industry.

He said: “Vauxhall believes a ZEV mandate can work in the UK provided there are complimentary targets on the other key parts of the electric vehicle ecosystem which are key to driving Britain to a more sustainable transport infrastructure.

“With our Ellesmere Port plant set to become the first electric vehicle only factory within the Stellantis group, we look forward to working with the Government on the detail of how a ZEV mandate can be implemented and help support a sustainable vehicle marketplace in the UK.”

Vauxhall has committed to only selling fully electric new cars and vans from 2028 – seven years ahead of the government’s deadline of 2035.

Additional targeted action ‘may be be required’

The Government announced it would end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030, last year.

The sale of new hybrid cars and vans that can drive a “significant distance” with no carbon coming out of the tailpipe will be allowed until 2035.

Government modelling suggests that, by 2050, total transport emissions, including international aviation and shipping, could need to drop by 76-86% compared to 2019, down to 23-40 MtCO2 e.

In the interim, it expects they could fall by 22-33% by 2030 and 46-59% by 2035, compared to 2019 levels.

These figures, it says, are based on an indicative transport sector pathway contributing to the whole-economy net zero and interim targets. Its potential pathway also indicates residual emissions from domestic transport could need to fall by around 34-45% by 2030 and 65-76% by 2035, relative to 2019 levels.

However, the net zero plan says that depending on progress in the sector, at some points additional targeted action may be be required, such as steps to reduce use of the most polluting cars and tackle urban congestion, to enable these targets to be met.

It says it will regularly review progress against its targets – publishing the next transport decarbonisation plan within five years – and continue to adapt and take further action if needed to decarbonise transport.

Iryna Kocharova head of sustainability at Lex Autolease, said: “We are pleased to hear that the Government has announced further plans to support the ambition outlined in the Transport Decarbonisation Plan. https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/latest-fleet-news/electric-fleet-news/2021/07/14/government-publishes-roadmap-to-decarbonising-transport-by-2050

“We welcome the commitment to investment in infrastructure and supply chain and would be supportive of a well-executed EV sales mandate that is carefully designed to sit alongside CO2 targets creating an overall scheme which is reasonable and proportionate.”  By Graham Hill thanks to Fleet News

Tech giant Apple has plans to further its phone integration with control over more of your car’s features, including air-conditioning and seat adjustment.

Apple is reportedly working on a project to further its devices’ integration with cars, extending its CarPlay interface to also control functions such as the climate control and seat adjustment for compatible vehicles.

Codenamed ‘IronHeart’, the project is in its initial stages, as reported by financial publication Bloomberg, and its development would hinge on further cooperation with car manufacturers.

However, this is a distinct possibility given the widespread adoption of Apple’s CarPlay connectivity tech since the phone-based app was launched in 2014.

It’s no secret that Apple has delved into the realm of vehicle development, with the tech giant placing a heavy focus on autonomous driving systems. This furthering of its software integration would allow Apple users to adjust their car’s climate control settings and change their seat position, for example, through their device.

It’s reported by Bloomberg that the functionality of the new system could also include inside and outside temperature and humidity readings, temperature zones and fan speed within the car, window defrost settings, as well as the speedometer and fuel gauge displays.

The tech will also reportedly build on CarPlay’s existing offering when it comes to control over a vehicle’s multimedia set-up, with more detailed adjustments to the stereo possible through equalisers and fade and balance controls.

CarPlay users currently have to switch between the Apple-based system and a vehicle’s built-in multimedia tech to adjust many settings; if Apple were to further integrate its technology this sticking point could be negated for some drivers and passengers.

Apple’s main rival Google has already branched out into the infotainment field with its Android Automotive operating system, improving the integration between users’ compatible devices and their cars; Volvo, Polestar and Renault, with its Megane E-Tech Electric, all use this interface.

A more advanced Apple-based infotainment system might also allow the development of third party apps for vehicles in time. However, it’s thought that development to this level might be met by reticence from car manufacturers, who could be reluctant to hand over control of some vital vehicle systems.  By Graham Hill thanks to Auto Express

The new airless Michelin Uptis is made from rubber and fibreglass and promises to be longer lasting, fuel-saving and recyclable.

The Uptis airless tyre has been demonstrated in public for the first time – and its maker, Michelin, says passengers in an Uptis-equipped car couldn’t tell the difference between its potentially game-changing new tech and traditional tyres.

“The Uptis is as revolutionary as the radial tyre was in the 1940s,” says Cyrille Roget, the company’s technical and scientific communication director.

“Tyres have been around for 130 years now, and we’ve never been able to find a complete solution to punctures, irregular pressure and sidewall damage.

“One of the best things was that after a few moments driving with Uptis, people didn’t realise it was any different,” he said after a recent demo in Munich. Auto Express has yet to get behind the wheel of an Uptis-equipped car to test that claim, but Roget says the advantages are difficult to ignore, while confirming Michelin is on schedule to launch the new tech in Asia in 2024.

Punctures, sidewall damage and irregular, premature wear through incorrect pressures see over 200 million tyres wasted every year. Incorrectly inflated tyres lead to countless gallons of extra fuel consumed annually, too.

The construction of the Uptis tyre uses a mix of regular rubber and a flexible, strong and light fibreglass blend, which Michelin has 50 patents for, plus “spokes” to keep its shape for the weight it’s designed to hold.

The structure then maintains the right “pressure”, which has benefits for both tyre performance and wear, as well as fuel economy. “It’s less of a burden on the consumer,” Roget added.

“You don’t have to check the pressures, you won’t be stranded at the side of the road with a puncture, and for the [car] manufacturers, they don’t have to include a spare wheel, or a jack, and there’s no need to have to have tyre pressure-monitoring systems, all of which saves a lot of weight in the vehicle.”

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to get Uptis from your local tyre fitter when it arrives over here, though. “We’re looking at the business model, and while we’re aiming at the mass market, we’re initially looking at East Asian countries, due to the poor quality of their roads, and the damage and resultant waste of conventional tyres,” said Roget.

He added that the Uptis may be sold like Michelin sells truck tyres to fleets, in kilometres rather than tyres. In time, they could be returned and re-treaded using 3D printing technology. By Graham Hill thanks to Auto Express

Everything you need to know about London’s new ULEZ charge

 ► London’s ULEZ launched 8 April 2019

► Now area within Norht and South circular

► Charge is £12.50 a day for affected cars

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has grown today, and now covers an area 18 times larger than before. Previously restricted to central London and the original congestion charge zone, the previous ULEZ was launched in April 2019. From 25th October, the ULEZ now covers everywhere inside the North and South circular roads (though not the roads themselves).

Transport for London estimates that 80% of cars won’t incur a charge, but there should still be an impact on the amount of pollution. ‘With the expanded scheme we will reduce the amount of carbon being emitted by more than 100 tonnes,’ Sadiq Khan, told the Today programme. ‘That’s about 60,000 vehicles being taken off the roads.’

So how much does the ULEZ charge cost, what’s it for and when do you need to pay it? Keep reading for CAR magazine’s guide to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.

How much is the ULEZ charge, and how big is the zone?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone has been pushed through to clean up the air quality of London, and initially it’ll only affect central London. It’s also going to be replacing the short-lived T-charge but will operate in addition to the Congestion Charge.

It rolled out on 8 April 2019, and covered the same area as the Congestion Charge – and now it covers everywhere within the North and South circular.

And below is the sign you’re going to start to seeing as you drive into central London, signalling that you’re approaching the ULEZ. However, you can check before you set of, using this tool which shows which postcodes are affected here.

What time of day does the ULEZ operate?

Unlike the Congestion Charge, there is no operating time for the ULEZ charge; if you enter at any time of the day or night, you’ll have to pay. After all, this is about stopping emissions, not traffic at peak hours.

More bad news: the charge is calculated per calendar day, so if you drive in to the ULEZ area at 11pm at night and then drive out at 2.30am the following morning, you’ll have to pay the charge twice. Sour!

How much will the ULEZ cost, and how do you pay it?

If your vehicle is affected, you’ll have to pay an extra £12.50, and if you’re using a larger vehicle (like a lorry over 3.5 tonnes or a coach over 5 tonnes), it’ll cost an extra £100 per day. Like the congestion charge, you can pay online, and even in advance.

Remember, this is in addition to the London Congestion Charge, so if you’re going through during the Congestion Charge’s operating time, too, you’ll have to pay both tolls. There are discounts available. The TFL website states that ‘residents who are registered for the residents’ Congestion Charge discount will get a 100% ULEZ discount until 24 October 2021′. Instead, ‘residents will continue to pay the T-Charge at a discounted rate of 90%, during this ULEZ resident sunset period.’

What’s the fine if you don’t pay the ULEZ?

Don’t pay the ULEZ charge, and you’ll be presented a £160 fine, though that halves to £80 if you pay quickly.

How to check if your vehicle is affected

ULEZ charges are calculated on the emissions a vehicle produces rather than the car’s age, and the minium emission standards for petrol and diesel cars are below:

• Petrol: Euro 4
• Diesel: Euro 6

If your car fails to meet those standards, you’re going to pay the charge, so this will only affect older cars. According to the TFL’s website, most petrols registered after 2005 will pass the Euro 4 protocols, although some cars from 2001 onwards may also be okay. In terms of diesels, most vehicles bought after September 2015 will generally pass the ULEZ standard.

What about classic cars?

If you’re a classic car owner there’s some better news. Cars built more than 40 years ago (those exempt from VED road tax) will also be exempt from the ULEZ charge. So anything made before 1 January 1981 qualifying for historic vehicle tax will be exempt from the new ULEZ charge.

Be aware, that historic vehicle tax doesn’t include commercial vehicles though. By Graham Hill thanks to Car Magazine