There’s a whole class of ‘historic vehicles’ that are completely free from ULEZ charges. The fee-paying area expanded in August 2023, to encompass every single London borough. Drivers of cars that do not meet emissions standards generally have to pay £12.50 per day, but some are exempt.
These vintage vehicles fall into two categories – all those manufactured before 1 January 1973 and those over 40 years old that have successfully registered a historic vehicle tax class registration with the DVLA. Even if your classic car is registered outside the UK, as long as it meets either criteria and you’ve registered it online with Transport for London (TfL), you’re golden.
But it’s not just classic car owners who can breathe easy. There are several other ULEZ exemptions and discounts for certain people or vehicles.
For instance, military vehicles are exempt, meaning tanks can trundle through London without coughing up the £12.50 fee. Farmers are also in luck as ‘specialist agricultural vehicles’ like tractors get a free pass.
Builders aren’t left out either – if they’re using ‘certain types of mobile crane’ or ‘non-road going vehicles which are allowed to drive on the highway (for example, excavators)’, they too can avoid the charge.
If you’ve ever fancied running away to join the circus, now might be the perfect time. According to TfL, ‘showman’s vehicles’ are exempt from the new charges.
Some classic cars have been exempt from ULEZ charges like this Mini, parked in Borough Market
(Image: Alex Treadway / Getty Images)
These include vehicles used in performances, for carrying equipment, displaying animals, or those that have been modified so emission abatement equipment can’t be fitted.
For those considering a career change, all London-licensed taxis are also exempt, although older, more polluting taxis are subject to a 12-year age limit, while cleaner ones can go up to 15 years. All newly licensed taxis must be zero-emission capable (ZEC) vehicles.
Disabled people who have vehicles registered with the DVLA as ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicle’ will get a grace period of no charges until October 24, 2027. Vehicles with tax classes registered abroad will need to register with TfL to benefit from this.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles with permanent ramps, hoists, swivel seats or accelerator rings will also have a grace period until October 25, 2027.
Those claiming certain disability benefits will also benefit from a grace period until October 25, 2027.
NHS patients deemed too ill to travel on public transport can also be reimbursed ULEZ payments by their treating hospital. The hospital will inform you if you are eligible.
Small businesses (under 50 employees), micro-businesses (up to 10 employees), charities and sole traders with a registered address in one of the 32 London boroughs or the City of London are eligible for a short-term ULEZ grace period. Community transport minibuses used by non-profit organisations and registered with TfL can also receive a 100 per cent discount until October 26, 2027.
For more information, visit the TfL website.