Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Transport for London expanded the Ultra Low Emission Zone in August 2023.

Zone boundaries

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now operates across all London boroughs up to (but not including) the M25 road. This means that the whole of Richmond upon Thames is now included in the zone.

Emissions standards

Strict emission standards apply to vehicles being driven inside the zone and any non-compliant vehicles will be charged.

Visit the TfL website for more details about the scheme. You can enter your registration into the vehicle checker to find out if your vehicle is compliant.

Charges

For vehicles that do not comply with the standards, the daily charge of £12.50 applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The charge is payable for any driving inside the zone, each day the vehicle is driven within the ULEZ. If you drive into a road within the ULEZ, even if only to park, the charge is payable.

The charge is not payable on days when the vehicle is parked and not moved. 

Information about paying is available on the TfL website - how to pay.

Discounts and exemptions

There is no discount for people that live inside the ULEZ. There are discounts and exemptions only for specified vehicles such as historic vehicles. 

Keepers of vehicles with a 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger' tax class will benefit from a grace period. 

Scrappage scheme

Details of the car and motorcycle scrappage scheme, providing grants for people in receipt of certain benefits, are available on the TfL website.

Vehicle adaptations

It may be possible to retro-fit emissions reduction technology for some vehicles so that they meet the standards. Find out more about vans, minibuses and some other specialist vehicles.

Good Move scheme

We will be giving additional support to residents who are considering replacing their cars due to the upcoming ULEZ expansion, and offering support to those who want to explore more sustainable forms of alternative transport, such as cargo bikes, e-bikes and car clubs. Find out more about the Good Move scheme.

Air quality

We are committed to improving air quality in the borough. View our Air Quality Action Plan. 

Low Emission Zone update

Drivers of heavy vehicles (including lorries, buses, coaches and specialist vehicles) need to be aware that TfL are introducing tougher standards for these vehicles across the whole of London. The new standards were introduced on 1 March 2021.

ULEZ compliant travel options

What we are doing to support ULEZ compliant travel options.

Car clubs can provide a flexible alternative to car ownership for some residents.  All car club vehicles in the borough are ULEZ compliant. 

Electric vehicle charging points are being installed in a number of places in the borough.

Try Before You Bike

We have partnered with Peddle My Wheels for the Try Before You Bike scheme; a user-friendly scheme that is specifically designed to encourage people to cycle.

Try Before You Bike enables businesses and residents in the borough to hire a bicycle, e-bike, cargo bike, e-cargo bike or trailer with the option to buy the bike at the end.

Bikes are available on a one-month subscription that you can cancel or renew whenever you wish.

Cargo bike hire scheme

In May 2022 we partnered with Our Bike to offer a cargo bike hire scheme as an affordable, sustainable alternative to motor vehicles.

The cargo bike hire scheme was initially launched in Teddington, Hampton, and East Sheen for residents and businesses to use and following demand, the scheme was expanded in August 2023 to St Margarets, Kew, Ham, Twickenham, Whitton, and Richmond town centre.

Some cargo bikes have been designed to carry children. Families in Richmond have already switched some of their trips and deliveries from a car or van to a cargo bike. This reduces their carbon footprint, improves air quality, and contributes towards improving their physical and mental health.

Watch a video showing how the scheme works.

Cycle storage

Bikehangars provide secure residential cycle parking. for people who would not otherwise have suitable space to keep a bike. The first bikehangars have been installed in the borough.