EIR - ULEZ [Dec 2025]

1. Prior to implementing the ULEZ program, were there objectives set? If yes, what were the objectives?
2. Are there any images that we could utilize to illustrate the ULEZ such as a sign that drivers would see when entering the ULEZ, the vehicle scrappage program, children walking to school, etc.)?
3. Were there educational efforts made or incentives offered to have people not drive at all and utilize a different mode of transport?
4. Would the incentive to remove the older vehicles in cities be welcomed or met with resistance from the public?
5. In terms of financing the ULEZ program, is there accessible information of the program's budget? Specifically, monies received from charges for driving a more polluting vehicle, compared with (2) the cost of funding the vehicle scrappage schemes, equipment costs, staff time to manage the program, etc.? What is the return on investment of the costs to implement and enforce this program?
6. It is indicated by Tools of Change reviewers that “many who used the scrappage schemes did not replace their scrapped cars and subsequently used more sustainable modes of transport more often.” If the information is available, how many people did not replace their scrapped cars, how many used more sustainable transport modes, and how often were those more sustainable transports used?

Our response

1. Transport for London (TfL) held multiple consultations for the implementation of the scheme and any proposed changes (including the expansions from central London to inner London and then to outer London). These consultation documents set out the expected impact of the scheme. You can find these online here: Ultra Low Emission Zone - Transport for London
2. There are many images publicly available online, you may find this website useful: ULEZ road signs - Transport for London
3. Yes. TfL launched public information campaigns including leaflets, online guides, and engagement materials to explain how ULEZ works and highlight its benefits, particularly for improved air quality and public health. These resources consistently promoted walking, cycling, and use of public transport as better alternatives to driving. Furthermore, the Mayor launched the largest scrappage scheme of its kind in the UK to support drivers to scrap their older, more polluting vehicle. The latest scrappage scheme for the outer London expansion did not require the money to be used for a replacement vehicle and included an option to receive a higher value package through up to two annual bus and tram passes, and was supported by exclusive offers to help make switching to more sustainable forms of transport more attractive. Businesses and charities also had the option to receive a grant to retrofit, rather than replace, their vehicles.
4. Regarding the latest scrappage scheme, we published an evaluation report here: London-wide Ultra Low Emission Zone scrappage scheme evaluation report. As part of the evaluation, TfL conducted a survey of the applications. For all survey respondents (car, motorcycle, van and minibus), a total of 63 per cent thought that the grant they received was very reasonable, reasonable or neutral. This compares to a total of 37 per cent who thought the grant was not reasonable.
5. The ULEZ is not about making money– it is solely about improving air quality and health outcomes. It was implemented to deliver these policy objectives. A successful ULEZ is one that generates ever smaller income. Within just a few years, due to high compliance rates, there will be no net revenue from the ULEZ expansion, as more people change their vehicles to less polluting ones. Any net revenue received by the ULEZ is guaranteed to be invested in running and improving the transport network in London. This includes planned transport enhancements in outer London, for example the new Superloop bus network. You may wish to send a further request to TfL regarding financing the ULEZ scheme.
6. Please refer to the scrappage scheme evaluation report here, particularly bringing your attention to the key findings on pages 5 and 6: London-wide Ultra Low Emission Zone scrappage scheme evaluation report

TfL is the Mayor's transport authority and is responsible for implementing the Mayor's Transport Strategy, and for the design, procurement, delivery and operational running of road user charging schemes such as the ULEZ. You may wish to send a further request to TfL at [email protected].