The ULEZ Charges Expansion UK 2025 is now officially implemented across several new cities and regions, marking a major move in the UK government’s fight against urban air pollution. ULEZ, or Ultra Low Emission Zone, is no longer limited to Greater London — it now spans across multiple urban centres, with clearly defined rules on vehicle emissions, daily charges, and exemptions.
Designed to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide levels and improve air quality, the expanded ULEZ 2025 has already impacted millions of vehicle owners. From petrol cars registered before 2006 to diesel cars before 2015, the new rules enforce daily charges on high-emission vehicles entering the low emission zones.
Which Cities and Zones Are Covered in 2025?
The ULEZ Charges Expansion UK 2025 now includes not just London, but major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, and Glasgow. Each local council is working in coordination with the Department for Transport to monitor and enforce vehicle standards within their respective zones.
New ULEZ Zones in 2025:
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Manchester City Centre
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Birmingham Inner Ring Road
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Glasgow Low Emission Zone (entire city centre)
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Sheffield Clean Air Zone
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London – all boroughs within M25 boundary
All these zones now use ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems to identify non-compliant vehicles and issue fines. The vehicle charges apply 24/7, including weekends and bank holidays.
| City | Daily ULEZ Charge | Non-Compliance Fine |
|---|---|---|
| London | £12.50 | £180 (reduced to £90 if paid early) |
| Birmingham | £8.00 | £120 |
| Glasgow | £10.00 | £160 |
| Manchester | £7.50 | £130 |
| Sheffield | £10.00 (Commercial only) | £60 – £120 |
Which Vehicles Are Affected by the Charges?
Under ULEZ 2025, vehicles are categorized based on Euro emission standards. Petrol cars must meet Euro 4 standards, and diesel vehicles must meet Euro 6 to avoid charges. The policy applies to both UK-registered and foreign vehicles.
Charged vehicles include:
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Diesel cars registered before September 2015 (Euro 5 or older)
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Petrol cars registered before January 2006 (Euro 3 or older)
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Older motorcycles not meeting Euro 3 standards
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Vans and minibuses not compliant with Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol)
Owners of non-compliant vehicles must pay daily charges or face fines. These vehicle charges aim to push more drivers toward cleaner, greener alternatives.
Exemptions and Discounts Under ULEZ 2025
Not everyone has to pay the ULEZ charges. Several exemptions and discounts are available, particularly for residents, certain vehicle types, and low-income individuals.
ULEZ 2025 exemptions include:
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Fully electric vehicles (zero emissions)
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Vehicles used by disabled persons (until exemption period ends)
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Historic vehicles (40+ years old, registered as classics)
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Taxis licensed with local authorities
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Certain agricultural or specialist vehicles
Residents in affected zones may also apply for temporary exemptions or discounts while transitioning to compliant vehicles. Each local council provides an online portal for this purpose.
The low emission zone system is also under review for introducing more EV-focused benefits like congestion charge waivers and free parking zones for electric vehicles.
How to Check ULEZ Compliance and Pay Charges
To make it easier for drivers, the UK government has launched a Check Your Vehicle tool online. This allows users to input their registration number and instantly know if their vehicle is subject to ULEZ 2025 charges.
Steps to check and pay:
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Visit the official Transport for London or city-specific ULEZ portal
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Enter your vehicle registration number
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View compliance status and daily charge
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Make payment online via debit/credit card
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Sign up for auto-pay to avoid fines
Drivers are encouraged to use the online tool regularly, especially before entering any low emission zone, to avoid unexpected fines and penalties.
FAQs
What is ULEZ and why has it expanded in 2025?
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) is a UK initiative to reduce vehicle pollution. In 2025, it expanded to more cities to tackle rising air pollution levels.
Which vehicles need to pay the ULEZ charge?
Diesel vehicles registered before 2015 and petrol vehicles before 2006 that do not meet emission standards must pay the daily charge.
How much is the ULEZ charge in 2025?
Charges vary by city. In London, it’s £12.50 per day. Other cities like Birmingham and Glasgow charge between £7.50 and £10.00.
Are there any exemptions to ULEZ 2025?
Yes, electric vehicles, classic cars, taxis, and vehicles used by disabled persons may qualify for full or partial exemptions.
How can I check if my car is compliant?
You can use the official ULEZ compliance tool by entering your vehicle’s registration number on the Transport for London website or relevant city portals.
What happens if I don’t pay the ULEZ charge?
If you enter a low emission zone with a non-compliant vehicle and don’t pay the charge, you’ll receive a fine ranging from £60 to £180, depending on the city.
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