London: Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
The Ultra Low Emission Zone covers the whole of Greater London (all 32 boroughs plus the City of London) — non-compliant vehicles pay a daily charge to drive within it.
Low-Emission Zone · LAST VERIFIED 2026-07-28When it's active
24 hours a day, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December).
Which vehicles are affected
Applies to cars, motorcycles, and vans up to 3.5 t. As a rough guide, petrol cars registered after June 2006 and diesel cars registered after September 2015 are usually compliant (free) — check your specific vehicle before traveling, since it isn't a simple age cutoff.
Registering a foreign or rental vehicle
No separate registration step — number plates are read automatically by camera; pay in advance or by midnight on the third day after driving in the zone to avoid a penalty.
Fees & fines
£12.50 per day for vehicles that aren't compliant. Figures are indicative — confirm the current charge on the official TfL site before you travel.
How it's enforced
Automatic number-plate-recognition cameras across and within the zone.
Exemptions
Compliant vehicles pay nothing; a small number of vehicle types (e.g. some historic vehicles) have specific exemptions — check TfL's official exemptions list.
Where the zone is
The entire Greater London area, roughly bounded by the M25 — if you're driving into any London borough, you're in the ULEZ.