Sadiq Khan to close Ulez scrappage scheme

Sadiq Khan is set to close London’s ultra low emission zone (Ulez) scrappage scheme in three weeks.

The Mayor of London announced that he plans to shut the programme to new applicants on September 7.

The scheme was expanded to include all of London’s residents, sole traders, small businesses and charities shortly before the Ulez area was extended to cover the whole of the city in August last year.

Those groups which own a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards can apply for cash – or a combination of cash and a public transport pass – to have them scrapped.

There is also an option for some vans and minibuses to be retrofitted with emissions abatement equipment.

Grants are worth up to £9,000 for minibuses, £7,000 for vans, £2,000 for cars and £1,000 for motorbikes.

A total of more than £186 million has been committed to nearly 54,000 applicants to the scrappage scheme since it opened in January last year.

City Hall said in a statement that it was winding down the programme – which has a budget of £210 million – as applications have “dropped sharply in recent weeks”.

It added that more than 96% of vehicles seen on London’s roads on a typical day comply with Ulez standards.

Mr Khan said: “I am proud that the scrappage scheme – the biggest in the UK – has supported so many Londoners to switch to cleaner, greener vehicles.

“Ulez compliance has now reached more than 96%, bringing cleaner air to millions of Londoners.

“I remain committed to taking world-leading action to improve London’s air quality and encourage sustainable transport.”

More than 330 vehicles have been donated through the scrappage programme to assist Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Mr Khan said he will provide “additional funding” so that vehicles can “continue to be donated to the country once the scrappage scheme closes”.

Transport for London’s director of strategy Christina Calderato said: “We have seen enthusiastic take-up of the scrappage scheme after it was opened to all Londoners.

“With the vast majority of those needing support to adapt to the Ulez having already taken action and nearly 54,000 applications approved, demand for the scheme is now much lower.

“We encourage anyone who still needs support to submit their application before 8 September.

“Any remaining funds will then be considered for other proposed uses to further the Mayor’s transport strategy.”

Most vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards and do not benefit from exemptions are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee for entering the Ulez area.

For petrol cars to meet the Ulez requirement, they must generally have been first registered after 2005.

Most diesel cars must have been registered after September 2015 to be exempt.