Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
Transport for London expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone in October 2021.
Zone boundaries
The expanded zone extends up to (but not including) the North and South Circular roads. This means that areas in Barnes, Mortlake, East Sheen, North Richmond and Kew are included in the zone.
The South Circular Road (Upper Richmond Road, Clifford Avenue, Mortlake Road, Kew Bridge) is the boundary and is not included in the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
Emissions standards
Strict emission standards apply to vehicles being driven inside the zone and any non-compliant vehicles will be charged.
Visit the TfL website for more details about the scheme. You can enter your registration into the vehicle checker to find out if your vehicle is compliant.
Charges
For vehicles that do not comply with the standards, the daily charge of £12.50 applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The charge is payable for any driving inside the zone, each day the vehicle is driven within the ULEZ. If you drive into a road within the ULEZ, even if only to park, the charge is payable.
The charge is not payable on days when the vehicle is parked and not moved.
Information about paying is available on the TfL website - how to pay.
Discounts and exemptions
There is no discount for people that live inside the ULEZ. There are discounts and exemptions only for specified vehicles such as historic vehicles.
Keepers of vehicles with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger' tax class will benefit from a grace period.
Scrappage scheme
Details of the car and motorcycle scrappage scheme, providing grants for people in receipt of certain benefits, are available on the TfL website.
Vehicle adaptations
It may be possible to retro-fit emissions reduction technology for some vehicles so that they meet the standards. Find out more about vans, minibuses and and some other specialist vehicles.
Expansion to the Greater London boundary
Transport for London are now preparing a further expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone to the Greater London Authority boundary, which would include the whole of the borough. This is expected to come into force on 29 August 2023. Back in July 2022 we issued a formal response
(pdf, 315 KB) to TfL in regard to these proposals.
Good Move scheme
We will be giving additional support to residents who are considering replacing their cars due to the upcoming ULEZ expansion, and offering support to those who want to explore more sustainable forms of alternative transport, such as cargo bikes, e-bikes and car clubs. Find out more about the Good Move scheme.
Access to amenities
We have raised concerns with Transport for London (TfL) about the introduction of ULEZ in the borough, particularly regarding access to essential amenities, such as the Mortlake Crematorium and Townmead Road Reuse and Recycling Centre.
Non-compliant vehicles would be charged for accessing these amenities. We will continue to lobby TfL on this aspect of the scheme.
Air quality
We are committed to improving air quality in the borough. View our Air Quality Action Plan.
Low Emission Zone update
Drivers of heavy vehicles (including lorries, buses, coaches and specialist vehicles) need to be aware that TfL are introducing tougher standards for these vehicles across the whole of London. The new standards were introduced on 1 March 2021.
Public meeting
We hosted a public meeting on 1 February 2021 for residents to find out more about the scheme and how to prepare.
View recording of Community Conversation: TfL ULEZ expansion
ULEZ compliant travel options
What we are doing to support ULEZ compliant travel options.
Car clubs
All car club vehicles are already ULEZ compliant. Zipcar and Enterprise Car Club operate in the borough and you can find out more on Car clubs pages.
Zipcar has an offer for residents who qualify for TfL’s scrappage scheme and choose to take up car club membership instead of replacing their vehicle.
View how to apply to be part of TfL's ULEZ Scrappage Scheme
Electric vehicle charging points
We are supporting the use of cleaner vehicles and this includes a programme of providing Electric vehicle charging points.
For the latest information on the location, type and availability of all public charge points in Richmond upon Thames and other London boroughs visit Zap Map.
To plan any journey in London by public transport, try TfL's Journey planner.
Cycling
Some people may be able to swap shorter car journeys for walking or cycling and we are supporting the following schemes:
- Not sure if you want to commit to buying a bike of your own? Find out more about the Try Before You Bike scheme being provided in partnership with Peddle My Wheels
- Cycling training is available for all ages to refresh your skills and gain confidence
- Bikehangars provide secure residential cycle parking
More information about our commitment to walking and cycling is set out in the Active Travel Strategy.
Up to: Roads and transport
Updated: 10 May 2023
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