London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) saw its biggest ever expansion last summer to cover all London boroughs, including the former Essex towns 'lost' to east London.
Before the end of last August, the zone was limited to the area within London’s North and South Circular roads, but Mayor Sadiq Khan has decided to expand it to cover the whole of the capital, claiming this would boost air quality.
Does travelling around the M25 get you a ULEZ charge?
As parts of the M25 are within London, many Essex drivers wonder whether travelling on the major motorway also requires paying the £12.50 charge, if their vehicle does not meet the emissions standards.
After the expansion last August 29, the ULEZ encompasses most areas inside the M25, as it is expanded to all 33 boroughs of Greater London including Havering, Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Barking, but does not cover the M25.
As the expansion map above shows, in some places, the ULEZ zone borders the M25 and even goes past it, but it does cover the M25.
The TfL website explains: "The ULEZ operates across all London boroughs, and the M25 is not in the zone. The charges only need to be paid if you drive your vehicle within the zone. Parked vehicles are not subject to any charges."
What is the ULEZ expansion?
The ULEZ expansion is an area in London where it is required to pay a charge for driving in a vehicle that does not comply with minimum emissions standards.
Those that do not meet the standards are then charged a daily fee of £12.50 for entering the area.
Whether or not a vehicle is liable for the charge depends on how much nitrogen dioxide (NO2) it emits.
Which cars are ULEZ compliant?
Whether or not a vehicle is liable for the charge depends on how much nitrogen dioxide (NO2) it emits.
The change came as NO2 can damage the lungs and make existing conditions such as asthma and lung and heart disease much worse.
In order for diesel cars to avoid the charge they must generally have been registered after September 2015, whilst most petrol models registered from 2005 are also exempt.
To fully check if your car meets standards, you can head to the TfL website and check.
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