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Greener Living

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone to Cover Entire City Next Year

Charging drivers of polluting cars has dramatically improved air quality.

An Ultra Low Emission Zone sign at Tower Hill in central London. — An Ultra Low Emission Zone sign at Tower Hill in central London.
Photographer: Yui Mok/PA Wire

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November 25, 2022, 10:00 AM UTCUpdated onNovember 25, 2022, 11:20 AM UTC

London will charge motorists citywide to drive more polluting vehicles, expanding a divisive policy that’s improved air quality and accelerated the transition to electric vehicles.

Drivers of older, higher-emitting cars have been charged £12.50 ($15) a day to drive in the Ultra Low Emission Zone that spans London’s central and inner boroughs, and those who fail to pay are fined £160. The policy will extend to the city’s outer reaches in August, affecting about 15% of vehicles in the area newly becoming part the zone.