The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London is expanding again in July 2025, and this change is already reshaping how thousands of motorists use their vehicles across Greater London and the surrounding boroughs. This ulez expansion 2025 update is part of the Mayor of London’s clean air initiative to reduce toxic emissions and improve public health.
The new ULEZ boundaries were confirmed earlier this year and enforcement will begin from Monday, July 15, 2025. With stricter vehicle standards and more areas included, drivers must now verify compliance or face daily charges of up to £12.50.
What Is the ULEZ and Why Is It Expanding?
The ULEZ is a designated area where vehicles that don’t meet minimum emissions standards must pay a daily charge to enter. It was first introduced in 2019 and has gradually expanded from Central London to Greater London.
Now, with the ulez expansion, the scheme will:
Extend to all 33 London boroughs
Include additional towns and key travel corridors around the M25
Align with the UK’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
The latest expansion targets older petrol and diesel vehicles, especially in suburban commuter zones, where air quality has been a growing concern.
New ULEZ Zones Effective July 2025
As of July 15, the following areas will be added to the ULEZ map:
| Newly Added Boroughs / Zones | Enforcement Status |
|---|---|
| Croydon (Outer Borough) | Active from July 15 |
| Bromley (Full coverage) | Active from July 15 |
| Enfield (North Expansion) | Active from July 15 |
| Barnet (Full inclusion) | Active from July 15 |
| Kingston, Sutton, Bexley | Fully included |
| Select highways near M25 | ULEZ-compliant zones |
Drivers commuting into or out of London for work, school runs, or deliveries will be directly impacted. The new ulez zones now affect areas previously exempt due to their distance from the city centre.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
To comply with the ulez expansion 2025, your vehicle must meet one of the following emissions standards:
Petrol Cars: Must meet Euro 4 standard (typically registered after 2006)
Diesel Cars: Must meet Euro 6 standard (typically registered after September 2015)
Motorcycles: Must meet Euro 3
Vans/Light Commercial Vehicles: Same rules as above
Electric Vehicles (EVs): Automatically exempt
Hybrid vehicles: Must meet engine criteria (not automatically exempt)
You can use the official vehicle compliance check tool provided by Transport for London (TfL) to confirm your vehicle’s status.
ULEZ Charges and Penalties
If your vehicle doesn’t meet the required emissions standards, you will need to pay the daily ULEZ charge. The current rates under the clean air zone london 2025 enforcement are:
| Vehicle Type | Daily ULEZ Charge |
|---|---|
| Cars (non-compliant) | £12.50 |
| Motorcycles | £12.50 |
| Vans and LCVs | £12.50 |
| HGVs/Lorries (see LEZ) | ULEZ + LEZ fee |
Payment must be made by midnight on the third day after travel, or drivers face a fine of £180 (reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days).
Payment can be made via:
TfL website
Auto Pay registration
PayPoint outlets
ULEZ app for iOS and Android
Exemptions and Grace Periods
Certain vehicles and groups are exempt or granted temporary grace periods from the new ULEZ rules:
Blue Badge holders (until end of 2026)
London-registered disabled tax class vehicles (until Oct 2025)
Historic vehicles (over 40 years old and tax exempt)
Minibuses operated by community groups
Scrappage scheme participants (if vehicle scrapped and replaced)
The TfL vehicle compliance check tool will also inform if you’re eligible for an exemption.
How to Prepare for the ULEZ Expansion
With the ulez expansion deadline fast approaching, drivers should act now:
Check your vehicle’s compliance using your license plate on the TfL portal
Apply for Auto Pay to avoid penalties
Consider upgrading your vehicle through the TfL-approved scrappage scheme
Keep proof of medical or disability exemptions for checks
Map your route and avoid unnecessary travel into restricted zones
The goal is to encourage long-term compliance and shift more drivers toward greener vehicles.
FAQs
What is the start date for the new ULEZ zones?
The new ulez zones go into effect from July 15, 2025, and will include all London boroughs and some surrounding areas.
How can I check if my vehicle is compliant?
Use the TfL Vehicle Checker online. If your petrol car is Euro 4 or newer, or your diesel is Euro 6, you’re likely compliant.
Are electric vehicles exempt from ULEZ?
Yes. Electric vehicles are fully exempt from ULEZ charges under the 2025 rules.
What happens if I drive a non-compliant car into a ULEZ zone?
You must pay a £12.50 daily charge, or face a fine of £180 if payment is missed.
Can I appeal a ULEZ fine?
Yes, but only if you have proof of exemption, payment error, or your vehicle meets compliance but was incorrectly flagged.
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