London ULEZ is Expanding in October
From a relatively small area in Central London it is heading out towards the North and South Circular Roads
Expanded ULEZ area - October 2021
The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone), which has been operating in quite a small patch in central London since 2019, is due to grow this year on October 25th. The new expanded zone will include a much larger area which will now reach all the way out to - but not include - the North and South Circular roads. After implementation, there will be a charge of £12.50 per day to use a ‘higher emission vehicle’ inside the zone.
BikeSure have conducted a survey of 1000 Londoners to find out how they feel about this and what their plans are to adapt to riding and driving in the new ULEZ area.
A high 84.1% of Londoners are going to carry on driving inside the new ULEZ zone and 20% say they will drive less. 72.2% of riders and drivers are actually considering changing vehicle to avoid the extra charge and of those, 27.2% may be going electric.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the results showing what people are thinking of going over to:
- 20.1% Electric or low emission vehicle
- 9.3% Pedal Cycles
- 6.5% Low emission or electric scooter/moped
- 2.8% Low emission or electric motorcycle
There are an estimated 3.8 million people living inside the new ULEZ zone, so a change in all of their driving and riding habits should have a great impact on the air quality in London. BikeSure have discovered that since ULEZ, in Wandsworth 11.1% of respondents have got rid of their high emissions vehicles, Hammersmith and Fulham 8% and Hackney 7.5%, so it is clearly already having an impact.
Not surprisingly, in London public transport is a very popular choice for getting around – London is one of the best connected cities in the world so this can be a good option for Londoners and visitors to get from A to B and avoiding the congestion charge altogether.
Here’s what the BikeSure survey has uncovered in terms of which transport Londoners will potentially be using inside the ULEZ zone going forward:
- 36.1% Public Transport
- 25.2% Walking
- 20.1% Low Emissions or Electric Vehicles
- 9.3% Low Emission Motorcycles, Scooters or Mopeds
- 9.3% Pedal Cycles
While many folks think ULEZ is a good and necessary scheme, there are some who find the impact on their lives frustrating. However, 77.8% are broadly in favour of the scheme, despite its impact on their lives.
Check out the
government information on ULEZ to see if your vehicle is exempt, if you will need to pay the daily charge, or need to travel through the new charging zone. You can also and have a look at the
BikeSure survey results for more information.
What are your thoughts on the ULEZ scheme in London and its expansion in October?
Will it affect you in any way?
Do you think it is annoying and feel that it will impact on your driving and your wallet, or do you think it is necessary for cleaner air in London and lower global emissions?
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