London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
From what it is to where it applies and how much it costs, find out how best to navigate London’s ULEZ.
You may be thinking about changing your routine, route, or vehicle driving in London. Whether zooming around on a motorcycle or cruising in your car, this could mean exploring how the city's ULEZ rules could impact your decision.
And, potentially, affect your car insurance choices.
In this article, you'll find:
- What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)?
- London ULEZ map
- What's the difference between ULEZ, LEZ and CAZ?
- UK Cities with Low Emission Zones or Clean Air Zones maps
- What does CAZ mean for drivers?
- Do Low emissions affect my car insurance?
- Tips for driving in the ULEZ
What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is the world’s largest clean air zone, designed to help reduce air pollution, improve public health, and combat climate change. As of August 2023, the ULEZ expanded to cover all London boroughs, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year (except Christmas Day) Footnote [1].
Since its launch in central London in 2019, the ULEZ has inspired similar schemes across the UK. However, London’s ULEZ remains unique in its scale and impact. A 2025 report from Transport for London (TFL) shows that its expansion, supported by the London-wide scrappage scheme, has helped significantly to reduce harmful emissions, with NOx emissions from road transport estimated to be down by 36% across London in 2024 Footnote [2].
London ULEZ map
To help visualise the areas covered by London’s ULEZ, check out the map below from Transport for London: Footnote [3]
ULEZ vs LEZ vs CAZ: What’s the Difference?
| What does it mean? | Where does this apply? | Which vehicles are affected? | Charges | |
| ULEZ | Ultra Low Emission Zone | Central London Greater London boroughs Check the Transport for London (TfL) website for specific postcodes. | Any vehicle that doesn’t meet the ULEZ emission standards, which are: Footnote [4] · 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 Check the ULEZ emission standards on the TfL website and whether your vehicle meets the standards here. | £12.50 for cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes). |
| LEZ | Low Emission Zone | All London boroughs | Mainly commercial diesel vehicles (lorries, buses, coaches) | £100 - £300 depending on the type of vehicle, its weight and emissions. Check out guidance on the charges per vehicle and how to pay on the TfL websiteFootnote [5] |
| CAZ | Clean Air Zone | · Bath · Birmingham · Bradford · Bristol · Portsmouth · Sheffield · Tyneside Check out the guidance on clean air zones from Gov.uk. | Minimum standard Footnote [6] 1. Buses, coaches, heavy goods vehicles: Euro VI 2. Vans, minibuses, taxis, private hire vehicles, cars: Euro 6 (diesel) and Euro 4 (petrol) 3. Motorcycles: Euro 3 Check out types of clean air zones and their vehicle types on Gov.uk. | Check the charges that may apply for your city: · Bath · Bradford · Bristol |
UK cities with low emission zones or clean air zones maps
What does CAZ mean for drivers?
Currently, seven cities in the UK have a Clean Air Zone (check the table above). The goal of a CAZ is to limit the public’s exposure to harmful pollution by:
- placing rules around the highest polluting vehicles
- encouraging use of cleaner vehicles
- encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transport
Depending on where you live and what you drive, you may need to pay a fee for driving in the CAZ.
Do low emissions affect my car insurance?
While ULEZ compliance doesn’t directly affect your insurance premium, your vehicle choice can. Here's some decisions you could make to help limit the costs:
1. Choose a Low Emission Vehicle
Cars in lower insurance groups (1–50 scale) tend to be cheaper to insure. These often include:
- Low Emission Vehicles (LEVs): <100g CO₂/km
- Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs): <75g CO₂/km
- Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs): 0g CO₂/km
Currently EVs are still eligible for the 100% cleaner vehicle discount Footnote [7]. However from 25 December 2025 it will no longer be available. From that date, all drivers - unless they qualify for another discount or exemption - will be required to pay the Congestion Charge when entering the zone during charging hours.
For more information, read our article on electric vehicles and congestion charges.
2. Get the Right Insurance
Compare quotes and consider policies tailored for EVs or hybrids. If you’ve found an EV to bring home, then look at car insurance which covers your electric vehicle.
3. Drive Less
Lower mileage may mean lower premiums and emissions.
4. Park Securely
Parking in a garage or driveway can reduce your insurance cost.
5. Pay Annually
Paying your premium in full can sometimes be cheaper than monthly payments.
Tips for driving in the ULEZ
- Use the TfL vehicle checker before entering London.
- Pay the charge in advance or within 3 days to avoid penalties.
- Know the difference: ULEZ runs 24/7, but the Congestion Charge has different hours. Depending on where and when you travel, you may need to pay one or both.
- Consider alternatives: Public transport, cycling, or walking.
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