What is the one day you don’t have to pay the ULEZ charge?

In less than a month, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be expanding across all of Greater London. 

The ULEZ will mean that anyone that drives a vehicle that does not meet emission standards will need to pay a daily charge of £12.50.

The expansion was confirmed after a High Court judge ruled it could go ahead following legal fights from boarding boroughs including Bromley and Harrow.

Proposed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the ULEZ has seen mass mixed reaction with many still calling for action to stop the expansion.

The ULEZ was created to help battle London’s air pollution, according to Transport for London, with the region’s toxic air causing health problems for many. 

However, many have not been happy that they will have to pay the daily fixed charge of £12.50 for driving in the zone, but there is one day the charge does not apply.

The one day you don’t have to pay the ULEZ charge

Although in place for 364 days of the year, TfL does offer one day where everyone is exempt from paying the ULEZ charge.

As on Christmas Day, December 25, you do not have to pay the £12.50 charge. 

TfL states: “Charging days run from midnight to midnight, every day of the year (except Christmas Day).”

Offering a free day is uncommon for most charged areas as the Dartford Crossing still charges on the day and every bank holiday. 

Christmas Day is offered as a free day for drivers. (Image: PA)

How to check if my vehicle is ULEZ compliant

You can look at the TfL website which lets you enter your number plate and can check for you. 

In order to avoid paying the charge, you need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards, meaning you must meet the required Euro emissions standards for your vehicle and emission type. 

Those standards are: 

• Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
• Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
• Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles

It’s also important to know that for newer vehicles, the Euro emission standard may be listed in section D.2 of your V5C.