Eligibility for the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme has been widened to include all Londoners ahead of the zone’s expansion on 29 August 2023. 

The announcement by the Mayor of London means any Brent and West London residents with a non-ULEZ compliant car can now access up to £2,000 to replace their vehicle. More support is also being given to small businesses, charities and those with disabilities. 

Previously only people entitled to means-tested benefits could claim the money. The latest data shows that on an average day, nine out of 10 cars and around 8 out of 10 vans seen driving in the zone are already compliant – so they won’t have to do anything.  

The expansion of the scrappage scheme means that: 

· All owners of non-compliant vehicles are entitled to up to £2,000 to upgrade their motor

· Businesses scrappage payment for vans will increase from £5,000 to £7,000

· Small businesses and sole traders will be able to scrap three vans or minibuses in addition to increasing retrofit payments from £5,000 to £6,000

· Charities with increased payments available for minibuses from £7,000 to £9,000, and disabled Londoners will see wheelchair-adapted vehicle grants double

The ULEZ expansion aims to take old and dangerous vehicles off the road to clean up London’s air further and tackle the health implications of pollution, like lung and heart disease.  

The leader of Brent Council, Cllr Muhammed Butt, said: “I am delighted that, having listened to feedback, the Mayor has announced a major expansion to the scrappage scheme meaning tens of thousands more Londoners will benefit. 

“We have always supported ULEZ because air quality in our borough, especially, is a hidden killer. An estimated 4,000 deaths were attributable to air pollution in London in 2019. Toxic air increases the risk of lung and health diseases, including lung cancer. This expansion of the ULEZ scrappage scheme is great news as it means the owners of cars that are non-compliant are now able to upgrade their vehicle easily, knowing that they are also doing their bit to improve air quality for all of us.” 

Councillor Krupa Sheth, cabinet member for Environment, Infrastructure, and Climate Action, said: “This is fantastic news for drivers with non-compliant vehicles. I encourage all drivers to check their vehicle on the TfL vehicle check to see if they need to take any action. We know that air pollution causes many health problems, and it is upgrades to the scheme like this that will ensure ULEZ is a success in bringing air pollution down, making our air breathable again and reducing deaths from toxic air.” 

TfL recommends that all drivers use its vehicle checker to know whether they need to take action ahead of the zone’s expansion. 

 

 

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