Historic cars win exemption in Ultra Low Emission Zone
Historic cars have been handed an exemption from charges and restrictions in London’s newUltra Low Emission Zone – meaning the world’s oldest motoring event can continue.
All vehicles that have a ‘historic’ vehicle tax class will be exempt from the ULEZ, which comes into effect on 7 September 2020. The 24/7 zone will have the same borders as the current Congestion Charge Zone. This will enable classic events, including the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, to go ahead as usual.
On the day the ULEZ comes into power, any car built before 1 January 1980 will be unaffected by the new rules, and tax-exempt vehicles will be excluded on a rolling annual basis. Non-compliant vehicles will be charged £12.50 per day, with a fine for HGVs, buses and coaches being set at £100. However, many classics will be kicked out of the zone. Petrol cars built before 1 January 2006 are likely to fall foul of the regulations, as will most diesels made before September 2015.
Any classic car built between 1 January 1980 and 1 January 2006, among them cars like the Austin Maestro,Rover Mini and Ford Capri MkIII, will have to pay the ULEZ charge, as well as a the Congestion Charge, totting up to £24 per visit.
Tamara Salhab, press officer for TfL, said: ‘We recognise the important role that historic vehicles play in preserving London’s culture and history and their relatively low impact on pollution due to their small numbers.
‘Following consultation it was agreed to that vehicles in the 40-year rolling vehicle tax exemption sector for classic vehicles will be exempt from the ULEZ standards and charges.’
Nigel Case, owner of London-based classic rental scheme The Classic Car Club pointed out that many of his customers usually steer clear of central London anyway, except for very special occasions.
He said: ‘Most people who rent cars from us tend to head out of town for a long weekend. At the same time, people who use classics tend to use them as a treat, so they wouldn’t mind paying an additional £12.50.’
Transport for London said there would be no barriers or tollbooths, and that cameras will read number plates to check against the DVLA’s vehicle database. The zone itself is being implemented in an attempt to improve London’s air quality, to meet EU regulations.
According to TfL, 4300 deaths in London per year can be attributed to air quality related illness. Failure to meet these standards may result in significant fines being imposed on the UK Government under EU law.
Occupants within the current ULEZ zone will be given three years’ free entry to allow them more time to meet the ULEZ standards. This ‘sunset’ period will expire after the 6 September 2023.
The statement setting out gterms and conditions can be read in its entirety on the Transport for London website.