ULEZ & CAZ FAQs
Which cars are compliant?
Petrol meeting Euro 4 (broadly 2006 onward) and diesel meeting Euro 6 (broadly September 2015 onward), plus all EVs and most hybrids. Check your exact registration on the TfL or council checker · edge cases run both ways, and compliance is about emissions certification, not age alone.
How much is the ULEZ charge?
£12.50/day for non-compliant cars, vans and motorbikes, midnight to midnight across all London boroughs · drive at 11:55pm and 12:05am and that is two days. Set up Auto Pay: the penalty for a missed payment is £180 (reduced to £90 paid promptly).
Which other cities charge cars?
Birmingham (£8/day) and Bristol (£9/day) charge non-compliant private cars. Bath, Sheffield, Bradford and Portsmouth charge vans/taxis/HGVs but spare private cars. Scotland's LEZs (Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee) simply ban non-compliant cars with £60 penalties instead of daily charges.
Pay the charge or change the car?
Two days a week in the ULEZ costs ~£1,300/year · a £4,000 switch to a compliant car repays in ~3 years before you count better fuel economy. Daily commuters into a zone are almost always better off switching; occasional visitors should pay per day or park outside. This page computes your exact break-even.
Any exemptions?
Historic vehicles (40+ years old), disabled tax class (time-limited), and certain community vehicles. London residents' discounts have ended. Every zone sets its own rules · check the operating council's site before relying on an exemption.
For informational purposes only · Charges: London ULEZ £12.50, Birmingham £8, Bristol £9 per day (check current rates) · Compliance depends on Euro emissions certification · verify your plate on the official TfL/council checker · Penalties up to £180 per day