When does the ULEZ grace period end and who is eligible? | UK News

The ULEZ has landed (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has arrived, with drivers facing a charge of £12.50 every time they drive a non-compliant vehicle in it.

But for some there is a ‘grace period’ following the expansion of the zone across all London boroughs, which went ahead on Monday, August 29.

ULEZ has been put in place to reduce air pollution and benefit the health of Londoners, but it has been met with backlash, with some choosing to protest the expansion or vandalise ULEZ cameras.

So what exactly is the ‘grace period’, when does it end, and who can benefit from it?

Here is what you need to know.

What is the ULEZ grace period?

The ULEZ grace period means certain drivers whose vehicles are not ULEZ compliant do not have to start paying the charge until their grace period ends on October 25, 2027 – more than two years away.

Ulez map — The ULEZ now covers all London boroughs (Picture: TFL)

There is a separate grace period for certain eligible small businesses and charities which runs until May 29, 2024.

Eligible minibuses used for community transport can also register for 100% discount on the ULEZ charge until October 26, 2025.

Who is eligible for the ULEZ grace period?

Disabled people whose vehicles are registered with the DVLA as having ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicle’ tax class are exempt from paying the ULEZ charge up to and including October 24, 2027, when their grace period ends.

Disabled young woman getting in a car — Having a Blue Badge isn’t enough on its own to exempt you from the ULEZ charge (Picture: Getty Images)

If your ‘disabled’ car was registered outside of the UK you’ll need to contact TfL to register it and qualify for the grace period.

Disabled people over state pension age whose vehicle does not have ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicle’ tax class can apply directly to TfL for the grace period if they:

Are in receipt of Attendance Allowance AND
Hold a Blue Badge

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If you’re on certain disability benefits or have particular medical conditions, you can also apply for this grace period. You’ll need to receive one of these benefits:

Standard or enhanced mobility rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Higher mobility rate of Disability Living Allowance
Higher mobility rate of Child Disability Payment
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
Armed Forces Independence Payment
Standard or enhanced rate of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)

You’ll also be eligible if any of the following apply:

You’re a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be accompanied by bulky medical equipment
You’re a parent or guardian of a child under the age of 3 with a medical condition that means the child always needs to be near a vehicle in case they need emergency medical treatment
You have a terminal illness, which means you cannot walk or find walking very difficult
You’re registered blind (severely sight impaired)