Ultra Low Emission Zone
Transport for London expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in August 2023.
Zone boundaries
The zone operates across all London boroughs, meaning that the whole of Wandsworth is now included within it.
The zone does not include the M25.
Emissions standards
Strict emission standards apply to vehicles being driven inside the zone and any non-compliant vehicles will be charged.
Visit the TfL website for more details about the scheme. You can enter your registration into the vehicle checker to find out if your vehicle is compliant.
Charges
For vehicles that do not comply with the standards, the daily charge of £12.50 applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The charge is payable for any driving inside the zone, each day the vehicle is driven within the ULEZ. If you drive into a road within the ULEZ, even if only to park, the charge is payable.
The charge is not payable on days when the vehicle is parked and not moved.
Information about paying is available on the TfL website - how to pay.
Discounts and exemptions
There is no discount for people that live inside the ULEZ. There are discounts and exemptions only for specified vehicles such as historic vehicles.
Keepers of vehicles with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger' tax class will benefit from a grace period.
Scrappage and financial support schemes
Details of the car and motorcycle scrappage scheme, providing grants for people in receipt of certain benefits, are available on the TfL website.
Following the latest expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone, we are offering £1,000 to qualifying local residents who give up, or have recently given up higher polluting vehicles. Details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the ULEZ Sustainable Travel Financial Assistance Scheme page.
Vehicle adaptations
It may be possible to retro-fit emissions reduction technology for some vehicles so that they meet the standards. Find out more about vans, minibuses and and some other specialist vehicles.
Air quality
Whilst we have raised concerns about the expansion of ULEZ and particularly the impact on low income residents and small businesses, the Council is fully aware of the need to improve air quality in the borough. To find out more about work we are doing to improve air quality, see the commitment to air quality.
Low Emission Zone update
Drivers of heavy vehicles (including lorries, buses, coaches and specialist vehicles) need to be aware that Transport for London are introducing tougher standards for these vehicles across the whole of London. The new standards were introduced on 1 March 2021.
ULEZ compliant travel options
What we are doing to support ULEZ compliant travel options.
Car clubs can provide a flexible alternative to car ownership for some residents. All car club vehicles in the borough are ULEZ compliant.
Electric vehicle charging points are being installed in a number of places in the borough.
Try Before You Bike
We have partnered with Peddle My Wheels for the Try Before You Bike scheme; a user-friendly scheme that is specifically designed to encourage people to cycle.
Try Before You Bike enables businesses and residents in the borough to hire a bicycle, e-bike, cargo bike, e-cargo bike or trailer with the option to buy the bike at the end.
Bikes are available on a one-month subscription that you can cancel or renew whenever you wish.
Cargo bike hire scheme
In May 2022 we partnered with Our Bike to offer a cargo bike hire scheme as an affordable, sustainable alternative to motor vehicles.
The cargo bike hire scheme was initially launched in Clapham Junction, Furzedown, and Battersea Park for residents and businesses to use.
Some cargo bikes have been designed to carry children. Families in Wandsworth have already switched some of their trips and deliveries from a car or van to a cargo bike. This reduces their carbon footprint, improves air quality, and contributes towards improving their physical and mental health.
Watch a video showing how the scheme works.
Cycle storage
Bikehangars provide secure residential cycle parking. for people who would not otherwise have suitable space to keep a bike. The first bikehangars have been installed in the borough.