The new ULEZ scrappage scheme is now live in London, as of today (21st August 2023) and totals £110 million which will give people easier access to replacing their car, if the current one doesn’t meet the upcoming Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) regulations. On 29th August, the new expanded ULEZ zone goes live and essentially encompasses everything inside of the M25, albeit using it as a rough boundary line.
The new scheme is available now for residents of London and there will be up to £2,000 available per person to go towards replacing an ageing car that won’t be compliant with the new expanded ULEZ zone. Small businesses will be provided up to £7,000 to scrap an older van in order to get a newer one. This is listed to three vans per business however. For minibuses this can be as high as £9,000 and for vehicles that are wheelchair accessible, this can be as high as £10,000.
“Cleaning up our toxic air can’t wait. As we strive to build a greener and healthier London for everyone, I’m determined that no Londoner and no London business is left behind. Our expanded scrappage support will help many more Londoners.”
Sadiq Kahn – London Mayor
The expanded ULEZ zone and new scrappage scheme has caused some controversy, with a court case which was ultimately dismissed by the judge. The main cause for concern was that times are hard enough as they are with the rising cost of living getting higher and the pressure for people to buy new cars that are compliant was unnecessary.
For uncompliant cars entering the ULEZ zone, a daily £12.50 is in place for petrol and diesel cars that don’t meet the standards. This means Euro 4 for petrol and Euro 6 for diesel.