Low emission zones in London: where you can and can't enter

United Kingdom

London aims to make its city centre emission-free by 2030 and has implemented several traffic restrictions to achieve this goal. Whether you’re planning to hire a car in London or simply want to know where you can drive, this guide is here to help! Discover everything you need to know about London's low-emission zones: where you can and can't enter, fees, penalties, and more.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

All boroughs within Greater London, excluding the M25, are part of the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone). This means most cars manufactured before 2006 and pre-2015 diesels must pay a daily charge of £12.50 to drive in this area. The ULEZ is in force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except one: Christmas Day (December 25).

Which vehicles can access the ULEZ? Vehicles with Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6 gasoline engines, which include diesel passenger cars, vans, and minibuses. If you drive through the Ultra Low Emission Zone without paying the fee, and your car does not meet the ULEZ emissions standards, you will receive a fine of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

The LEZ (Low Emission Zone) is active 24 hours a day, every day of the year (except Christmas Day), covering much of Greater London, similar to the ULEZ. The LEZ mainly restricts the passage of heavy polluting diesel vehicles, so you should not be affected if you rent a standard car. You can register your car for the ULEZ and LEZ if you believe your car is exempt from this charge; it is a simple process, requiring you to upload documents that verify your vehicle meets the required emissions standards.

London Congestion Charge Zone

This zone operates from 07:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, and from 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. There is no charge between Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Congestion Charge covers the most central area of London, including Barbican, Bloomsbury, Borough, Charing Cross, City of London, Clerkenwell, Covent Garden, Euston, Finsbury, Fitzrovia, Holborn, London Bridge, Mayfair, Soho, St James's, St Pancras, Waterloo, and parts of Marylebone, Lambeth, Southwark and Westminster.

All vehicles must pay £15 per day (£17.50 if paid by midnight on the third day after entry), with the exception of motorcycles, full-electric cars and vehicles with nine or more seats. Payment can be made online, via the Congestion Zone App, or by phone. The fine for non-payment is £160.

Can my rental car drive in the ULEZ zone?

It is likely that your rental car can enter the ULEZ zone, as suppliers usually renew their fleets with newer cars. On CarJet, you can filter your search to choose between gasoline and electric vehicles. Most petrol vehicles registered from 2005 onwards can access the ULEZ zone, and with electric cars, you will have complete freedom to enjoy London. London has over 50 charging points throughout the city, many of them free, and offers other advantages such as free parking or reduced rates for electric vehicles.

Tips for driving in London in low-emission zones

Low Emission Zones generate doubts and controversy among locals and tourists alike. Here are some useful tips to avoid problems:

Be clear about your itinerary

If you're driving through central London, it's essential to be aware of which areas are accessible to avoid penalties. Plan your route carefully, considering the locations of the tourist attractions you wish to visit. Additionally, check for available parking lots in the vicinity. Be mindful of bus lanes, as driving in them during operational hours is prohibited and can result in fines if you’re caught. An excellent tool for creating your itinerary is Google Maps. It allows you not only to plan detailed routes but also to identify areas with traffic restrictions, nearby car parks, and estimated arrival times based on actual traffic.

Hire an electric car

With an electric rental car, low-emission zones are no longer a concern. Electric cars are exempt from the Congestion Charge, have benefits when it comes to parking and allow you to save money on petrol. Plus, you will be contributing to reducing your carbon footprint and helping London be a greener place.

CarJet offers a large fleet of electric vehicles. It is pretty simple: when choosing your vehicle, select "Electric" from the filters. You can also customise your search by number of seats, type of transmission, mileage, etc.

Check your car on Transport for London

Transport for London is the official website for transport in London. Here you can check if your rental car can enter certain zones by entering the licence plate number. You can also pay fines, read the last news about traffic, and get more information about low emission zones.

Enjoy London to the fullest with CarJet

CarJet is the UK's leading car hire comparison website. With more than 35 destinations throughout the country and over 40 pick-up points in London, CarJet offers all the facilities to make the most of your London experience. We offer a wide range of vehicles tailored to each customer's needs. Hire a car in London and visit the most iconic sights, explore the surrounding areas, or travel to nearby cities. Make this trip an unforgettable adventure with CarJet!