"ULEZ expansion doesn’t deliver what it promises. It doesn’t meaningfully improve air quality. It’s just another tax on local residents. A tax that will isolate and restrict movement of some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It will do untold damage to our small businesses and local economy. And for all these reasons, I oppose it and support Susan Hall in her campaign to be Mayor of London so that she can deliver on her promise to stop the ULEZ expansion in May 2024." Rebecca Paul, 14 August 2023.
From 29th August 2023, the ULEZ expanded across Greater London. Anyone driving within the zone in a vehicle that does not meet emissions standards will be expected to pay £12.50 per day. This has a particularly negative impact on people with disabilities who rely on their vehicles to get around. There are however, some grace periods for Blue Badge holders that will result in a temporary exemption from the charge regardless of whether they live in London or not. Those that are eligible will not need to pay the ULEZ charge until 25th October 2027.
There are three grace periods: the first is for disabled people whose vehicles are registered as having 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger' vehicle tax classes, the second is for Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV) and the third is for people who receive certain disability benefits or meet specific medical criteria.
Designated wheelchair accessible private hire vehicles used to carry out a private hire booking will also be granted a grace period until 24 October 2027, during which they will be exempt from the ULEZ daily charge.
Additionally, many not-for-profit organisations that operate minibuses used for community transport can also register to benefit from a grace period until 26th October 2025. These are minibuses that carry passengers on a not-for-profit basis. For example, for educational, religious, social welfare or other activities that benefit the community.
More information about the grace periods and how to apply can be found here: Discounts and exemptions - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
Its important to note however that the Mayor and TfL intend for these grace periods to come to an end on the aforementioned dates and the ULEZ daily charge to apply from that point onwards. Thus at that point, the only way to avoid the charge is to change your vehicle. Unfortunately however, the Mayor of London's current scrappage scheme doesn't apply to Surrey residents (with or without a Blue Badge) so isn't something that can be used by residents of Reigate & Banstead.
