The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set for another major expansion in 2025, and if you’re a UK driver, especially in or near London, this could significantly impact your daily commute and finances. With new areas being added from August 2025, many motorists will face stricter emission regulations and potential daily charges if their vehicles don’t comply.
The government and Transport for London (TfL) have issued fresh guidance urging drivers to understand the new changes, check their vehicle compliance, and make arrangements before enforcement begins.
What Is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone is a policy introduced by Transport for London to reduce pollution in urban areas by charging older, more polluting vehicles to drive within designated zones. ULEZ charges apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year (except Christmas Day), and the daily rate is currently £12.50 for non-compliant cars, motorcycles, vans, and other vehicles.
ULEZ is part of a broader push to improve air quality across Greater London and beyond. By targeting vehicles that do not meet Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel) emissions standards, TfL hopes to lower health risks linked to vehicle pollution.
Why It’s Expanding Again
The 2023 expansion, which brought ULEZ to all 32 London boroughs, was just the beginning. Now, with rising concerns about air pollution and climate change, ULEZ is being extended even further to reach areas just outside the current Greater London boundary.
According to TfL, these steps are necessary to ensure residents in surrounding areas also benefit from cleaner air, fewer respiratory health problems, and a sustainable urban environment.
New Areas Included From August
Beginning August 1, 2025, the ULEZ boundary will stretch into parts of the Home Counties and further Southeast England, affecting more drivers than ever before. While a full official map is still expected in late 2024, early reports and internal planning suggest that the following areas will be included:
- Parts of Surrey, including towns close to the M25 corridor
- Selected boroughs in Hertfordshire and Kent
- Sections of Essex bordering East London
- Fringe towns such as St Albans, Sevenoaks, Epping, and Reigate
- Specific A-roads and commuter routes like the A3, A10, and A21
Drivers in these areas are now being urged to take action, especially if they regularly travel into or near London for work, school, or family reasons.
Who Will Be Affected?
Any driver whose vehicle does not meet ULEZ emission standards will be impacted. This primarily includes:
- Diesel vehicles registered before September 2015
- Petrol vehicles registered before 2006
- Older motorcycles and vans
- Non-compliant foreign vehicles visiting the UK
Even those living outside of the newly expanded ULEZ could be charged if they cross into the zone even briefly — such as for shopping, school runs, or hospital visits.
Daily Charges and Penalties
If your vehicle is not ULEZ-compliant, you will have to pay £12.50 per day to drive within the zone. If you fail to pay, you could face a fine of up to £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
These costs can quickly add up for regular commuters. For example, driving into the zone five days a week could mean spending £250 a month, or £3,000 per year, just on ULEZ charges.
Check If Your Vehicle Is Compliant
The easiest way to check whether your vehicle meets the ULEZ standards is by using TfL’s official vehicle checker online. You simply enter your registration number and receive instant results.
It’s worth doing this before August 2025 to avoid any surprises — especially if you are considering buying a second-hand vehicle in the coming months. Many drivers are now choosing electric vehicles or newer Euro 6 diesel models to avoid ongoing charges.
Support for Affected Drivers
TfL is expected to relaunch its vehicle scrappage scheme for eligible low-income residents, small businesses, and charities. This could provide financial help towards replacing non-compliant vehicles with cleaner alternatives.
Previously, grants of up to £2,000 were available for car owners, and £7,000 for van owners. However, due to high demand, the scheme closed in 2024. There are growing calls from local councils and MPs to reopen the scheme as the 2025 expansion approaches.
If you qualify under Universal Credit or other benefits, you may be prioritised for support — but details will likely be confirmed closer to the rollout date.
Environmental and Health Benefits
The ULEZ expansion isn’t just about penalising drivers — it’s about improving the overall health and environment of the region. According to TfL data, the 2023 ULEZ extension led to:
- 46% reduction in roadside nitrogen dioxide
- 74,000 fewer non-compliant vehicles on London roads daily
- A significant drop in asthma-related hospital admissions in children
By pushing older vehicles off the road, TfL and local authorities hope to create a cleaner, healthier, and safer city for future generations.
Pushback From Drivers
Not everyone supports the 2025 expansion. Many drivers and small business owners argue that it’s a financial burden during a time of rising fuel costs, inflation, and economic uncertainty.
Campaign groups have also raised concerns about inadequate public transport in outer boroughs and rural areas that will soon fall under ULEZ. Without reliable alternatives, some worry that the expansion could isolate communities or hurt local economies.
In some towns like Bexley and Bromley, protests have already taken place against further ULEZ moves — and more may follow as August 2025 nears.
What You Should Do Now
With less than a year to go, here’s how you can prepare:
- Use the TfL vehicle checker to confirm your status
- Plan alternative routes or transport options if you’re affected
- If you plan to replace your car, start researching compliant vehicles early
- Keep an eye on announcements related to scrappage schemes or exemptions
- Stay updated through TfL emails or local council updates
The key is to act early. Thousands of drivers were caught off guard during previous expansions, resulting in unexpected costs and stress.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 ULEZ expansion is one of the biggest changes to the UK’s urban transport system in years. It represents a strong push towards cleaner air and environmental sustainability — but it also brings financial and logistical challenges for many everyday drivers.
If you live in or near the newly included zones, it’s essential to stay informed, understand your responsibilities, and begin planning for the transition as early as possible. Avoiding the daily charge could save you thousands of pounds over time, and switching to a compliant vehicle now could be one of the smartest financial decisions you make this year.
