Transport for London has hinted at tougher Ulez rules being enforced in the future as Sadiq Khan’s controversial car charge continues to divide Londoners.
The statutory corporation, which is chaired by the London Mayor, revealed there were no plans “at present” to reform the levy.
It also said it wants to ensure “compliant vehicles are not unaffordable” for motorists.
However, TfL stressed any future changes would require public consultation.
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Responding to a Freedom of Information request from a member of the public, an official said: “There are no plans to change the Ulez standards at present.
“The current standards for vehicle emissions are informed by the European emissions standards.
“The current standards for vehicles in the Ulez is Euro 4 for petrol vehicles and Euro 6 for diesel vehicles.
“The current standards help the Mayor and TfL strike the right balance in maximising the benefits to Londoners by encouraging people to use less polluting vehicles while also ensuring compliant vehicles are not unaffordable to people who rely on a private vehicle to make a journey.
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“For diesel vehicles, the Ulez standard (Euro 6) is already aligned with the tightest emissions standards.
“Euro 7 standards have not been finalised at this stage.
“Any proposed changes to an existing road user charging scheme, such as the Ulez, or the introduction of any new scheme would be subject to formal public consultation.”
Current Ulez rules ensure non-compliant cars need to pay a £12.50 daily fee to drive around any of the capital’s 32 boroughs.
Non-compliant vehicles appear broadly as pre-2005 petrol and pre-2015 diesel cars.
Ulez expanded at the end of August
PA
However, lorries, vans and specialist heavy vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes do not pay the charge.
Buses, minibuses and coaches weighing above five tonnes will also not face the levy.
Speculation about potential changes to Ulez come after TfL released its first report into the car charges expansion.
TfL concluded the number of non-compliant vehicles seen driving in London on an average day has decreased by 77,000 compared to June 2023.
The authority added that 95 per cent of motors in the capital are compliant.
