Why do we have a ULEZ?

Poor air quality, mainly caused by polluting vehicles, is impacting the health of Londoners.

Londoners are developing life-changing illnesses such as cancer, asthma, lung disease, and recent reports have shown a link between air pollution and an increased risk of developing dementia.

How the ULEZ helps clear London's air

The aim of the ULEZ is to help improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles in London that don't meet emissions standards.

It has helped to reduce harmful roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations by 21% in outer London, 53% in central London and 24% in inner London. This is compared to a scenario without the ULEZ and its expansions in place. See the London-wide ULEZ expansion 6 month report (July 2024).

Despite this progress, more needs to be done, as air pollution is not just a central London problem. In fact, the greatest number of deaths related to air pollution occur in outer London areas. That's why the ULEZ operates across all London boroughs, to help give the five million Londoners in outer boroughs clearer air to breathe too.

Calculations showing more deaths in Outer London linked to air pollution were based on the most recently available statistics from the Office of National Statistics and assessed according to standard practice in the scientific community. See Deaths registered by area of usual residence, UK on the ONS website, and the Government's COMEAP mortality effects of long term exposure to particulate air pollution report.

Check if your vehicle meets the standards

To see if your vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards, use our vehicle checker.

Any money received from the scheme is reinvested into running and improving London's transport network, such as contributing to the proposed Superloop, made up of express bus routes to help connect more people in outer London.

Alternative transport options

To help clear London's air, we would prefer if you use a vehicle that meets the emissions standards for essential journeys rather than pay the charge or, where possible, use public transport, walk or cycle.

If you choose to replace your vehicle for one that meets the emissions standards, you do not need to buy a brand new or electric vehicle. Generally, all new diesel vehicles sold from September 2016 and all new petrol vehicles sold from January 2006 meet the emissions standards. Check the vehicle's emissions using our vehicle checker before you purchase.

Cycling and walking

People who walk or cycle 20 minutes a day as part of their regular journeys feel improved mental and physical wellbeing. Look out for cycle lanes and wider pavements so you can walk or cycle more safely. Find out more about cycling in London.

Public transport

Choosing the bus, Tube, Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground and tram is good value for money and a more sustainable way to travel all over London. Travel off-peak for the best value fare, andcheck the cost of your journey before you travel. The Mayor of London and TfL are also planning to expand bus routes in outer London to make travelling by public transport even easier.

Download the TfL Go app to plan real-time journeys, receive live travel updates and to find quieter times to travel.

Taxis and private hire vehicles

We've also been working to help make taxi and private hire vehicles cleaner. This is supported by grant payments for those making the switch to zero-emission vehicles.

Car clubs

Car clubs give members access to locally parked cars by paying by the minute, hour or day. They can offer a flexible, convenient alternative to private car ownership or leasing.

All car club vehicles in London meet the ULEZ emissions standards and many now operate electric or hybrid vehicles, which can help further reduce emissions and improve air quality. Find out more about car clubs and the companies that provide them.

Considering getting rid of your car? See the cost of driving.