London is about to face another major change in its transport and environmental landscape. Starting August 2025, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding once again – and this time, it’s broader and stricter than ever before. Thousands of drivers are expected to be affected, especially those living on the outskirts of Greater London. If you drive in or around the city, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming ULEZ expansion and how it may impact you.
What Is ULEZ?
ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone, a scheme introduced by Transport for London (TfL) to improve air quality in the capital. It targets vehicles that do not meet strict emissions standards, charging a daily fee to drive in certain areas. The aim is to reduce air pollution by discouraging the use of older, high-emission vehicles and encouraging people to switch to cleaner alternatives.
ULEZ first came into effect in Central London in April 2019, later expanding to the North and South Circular Roads in October 2021, and to all of Greater London in August 2023. Now, with the August 2025 expansion, the zone is set to grow even more.
Key Changes Coming in August 2025
The ULEZ expansion set for August 2025 will extend the boundaries beyond Greater London, affecting nearby commuter towns and boroughs that previously escaped the charge. According to TfL’s latest announcement, this move is part of a broader plan to cut city-wide emissions by 30% by 2030.
The expansion also comes with stricter vehicle checks. Some petrol cars that previously passed will now be re-evaluated under the updated emissions testing model. Additionally, more automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are being installed to cover new zones.
Newly Affected Areas Revealed
The upcoming ULEZ zone will now include key areas such as:
- Watford
- Epsom
- Dartford
- Woking
- Grays
- Borehamwood
- Sevenoaks
- Brentwood
- St Albans
- Surrounding M25 Junction Areas
This means that drivers in parts of Essex, Kent, Hertfordshire, and Surrey could now be subject to ULEZ fees if entering or residing within the extended perimeter.
Daily Charges Remain the Same
As of now, the daily ULEZ charge will remain at £12.50 per day for cars, motorcycles, vans, and other light vehicles that do not meet emissions standards. Heavier vehicles such as lorries and buses fall under the separate LEZ (Low Emission Zone) or Direct Vision Standard (DVS), which have higher fees and penalties.
Non-compliance continues to incur a fine of up to £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
Which Vehicles Will Be Affected?
Vehicles are charged based on their Euro emissions standards. The breakdown is as follows:
- Petrol cars must meet Euro 4 standards (generally vehicles registered after 2006)
- Diesel cars must meet Euro 6 standards (generally vehicles registered after 2015)
- Motorcycles must meet Euro 3 standards
If your vehicle fails to meet these, you’ll be charged every day you drive within the ULEZ zone – even if you live in it.
Check Your Vehicle Online
You can easily check if your vehicle is compliant by visiting the official TfL ULEZ checker tool online. By entering your number plate, you’ll know instantly if you’ll be charged under the new expansion or not.
This tool will be updated in mid-2025 to reflect the new boundary areas and changes in compliance rules, so make sure to check regularly as the date approaches.
Impact on Commuters and Residents
The 2025 expansion is expected to hit suburban commuters the hardest. People living outside London but working in the city might now face daily charges they never had to consider before. Many affected drivers argue they don’t have viable public transport options and can’t afford to replace their vehicles.
Critics also argue that the scheme disproportionately affects low-income families, small business owners, and tradespeople. While the intention is cleaner air, the financial burden on ordinary drivers remains a heated debate.
Government Support and Scrappage Scheme
To help ease the transition, the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme is being updated and extended. As of 2025, drivers earning below a certain income threshold or receiving certain benefits will be eligible for:
- Grants of up to £2,000 to scrap non-compliant cars
- Additional support for wheelchair-accessible vehicles
- £5,000 grants for vans and minibuses under certain conditions
- Increased TfL travel credit or e-bike discounts for those giving up cars entirely
You must apply through the official TfL website, and approval can take 2–4 weeks, so early applications are advised.
Alternative Travel Options for Affected Drivers
For those facing ULEZ charges, it’s time to consider alternatives:
- Switch to a compliant or electric vehicle
- Use public transport such as London Overground, Underground, or buses
- Cycle or walk for shorter journeys within the zone
- Use car-sharing services that provide ULEZ-compliant vehicles
TfL is also expected to increase EV charging stations across newly affected areas to encourage the use of cleaner transport.
What If You Don’t Pay the Charge?
If you enter the ULEZ zone with a non-compliant vehicle and fail to pay the charge by midnight the following day, you could face:
- A £180 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
- Reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days
- Repeated offences may lead to further enforcement action
Even residents of the zone are not exempt. You must either drive a compliant vehicle, pay the charge, or avoid using your car within ULEZ.
Local Councils React to Expansion
Several borough councils are reportedly planning to challenge the expansion, arguing that it disproportionately impacts residents outside Greater London who were not part of the original consultation process. Petitions, protests, and legal reviews are expected in the coming months.
However, TfL maintains that the expansion is crucial for public health, citing that over 4,000 premature deaths in London annually are linked to air pollution.
Final Tips for Drivers
- Check your vehicle’s compliance status early
- Apply for scrappage if eligible
- Start considering vehicle upgrades or alternatives now
- Watch for changes in official TfL updates before August 2025
ULEZ cameras will begin testing in July 2025 in new areas to prepare for full implementation in August. Don’t wait until the last minute – plan ahead.
Conclusion
The ULEZ expansion in August 2025 marks a major step in London’s fight against air pollution, but it also raises significant concerns for daily drivers, especially those on tighter budgets. If you live or commute near London, this change will likely affect your daily life and finances. Understanding the rules, preparing in advance, and exploring your options is key to avoiding costly surprises.