Sadiq Khan’s vehicle plans might save drivers a lot of money in the upcoming weeks, and drivers need to be aware of these significant changes.
Many programmes are run by London with the goal of reducing pollution in the city and enticing drivers to park their cars at home.
This covers the HGV Safety Permit, the Direct Vision Standard (DVS), the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), and the Congestion Charge.
Although the Ulez, LEZ, and DVS are all operating in the same area, they are distinct schemes that can necessitate drivers paying for more than one charge scheme.
While the Ulez, LEZ, and DVS cover the entirety of Greater London, the Congestion Charge only applies to central London. In the upcoming weeks, there will be changes that may save drivers from having to pay the high fines.
On weekdays, the Congestion Charge typically operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., while on weekends and bank holidays, it operates from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
On the other hand, between the bank holidays of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, drivers won’t have to pay.
The zone is marked with big markers in the capital’s core, and passing through it would ordinarily incur a £15 daily charge for drivers. In a similar vein, the Ultra Low Emission Zone typically runs nonstop throughout the year.
This is in effect except on Christmas Day, when drivers of cars, motorbikes, vans and speciality vehicles passing through London on December 25 can avoid paying the £12.50 daily fee.
Other fees, such as those associated with the Low Emission Zone, which is open 24/7/365, will still need to be paid by truck drivers. The Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and HGV Safety Permit are applicable to truckers above 12 tonnes gross vehicle rate at all times.
In August, London Mayor Sadiq Khan decided to expand the Ulez, a contentious move that was met with strong resistance from lawmakers, drivers, and residents.
About 60,000 cars were fined £12.50 in the first two months after Transport for London discovered that 93,700 cars had violated pollution regulations, with 36% of them exempt.