Petrol cars have to meet the Euro 4 emission standard, introduced in 2005, and diesels have to meet Euro 6 which came in 2015
Hagerty is best known as a classic vehicle insurer, but with a 600,000-member strong Drivers Club, an 800,000-circulation printed magazine and 1.5m subscribers on YouTube they are one of the world's largest automotive lifestyle brands.
Hagerty regularly investigates the challenges faced by classic vehicle enthusiasts, from E10 fuel to the damage caused by the government-led scrappage scheme. Today Hagerty UK reports on the expansion of the London Ultra Low Emissions Zone and explores the issues it will create for classic vehicle owners who wish to drive in and around the capital.
From October 25th, 2021 the capital's Ultra Low Emissions Zone is being extended to cover the entire area between the A406 North Circular and A205 South Circular roads. Driving a vehicle in this zone that doesn't meet the emissions requirements will result in a £12.50 daily charge.
Up to 60,000 vehicles are estimated to be affected, many of those being cherished classics that don't participate in daily commuting, but may be priced out of London, nonetheless. Driving a non-compliant car just once a week would rack up an annual bill of £650 – more than many drivers' insurance and road tax combined.
Monitoring of the ULEZ will be automated by a network of 1,400 cameras across the capital. Motorists will have to pay the £12.50 charge within 24 hours or face a £160 fine (reduced to £80 if it's paid within 14 days).
Full report