ULEZ: TfL scrappage scheme expansion introduced by Sadiq Khan - who can apply and how to apply

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme has been successfully expanded to support more Londoners having to trade in or upgrade their vehicles.

The planned extension to the scheme was announced by the mayor, Sadiq Khan, in early June.

Who can apply for the ULEZ scrappage scheme?

Previously, eligibility to apply for support was limited to those on a series of income or disability benefits, micro businesses (up to 10 employees), sole traders, and registered charities.

Mr Khan had said that, from the end of July, this would be expanded to include all 874,710 Londoners receiving child benefit, and small businesses registered in the capital with fewer than 50 employees.

Additional benefits for charities and care workers were also to be introduced.

A Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson has now confirmed the roll-out occurred as planned on July 31, with those newly eligible able to apply for support from the scheme.

How much can I get?

According to TfL’s webpage on the topic, successful applicants can receive up to £2,000 for scrapping a car, up to £1,000 for a motorcycle, £5,000 to scrap or retrofit a wheelchair accessible vehicle, and between £5,000 and £9,500 for vans and minibuses.

How to apply

Car owners can begin the application process via the TfL website.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

Announcing the expansion in June, Mr Khan said: “The majority of vehicles in London are already ULEZ compliant and will not have to pay anything. But I completely understand the concerns of people who may not have a compliant vehicle and are worried about how they’ll make the transition.

“We already have the biggest-ever scrappage scheme in place to support Londoners on low incomes, London based micro-businesses and charities and disabled Londoners. But I’ve listened to families and small businesses in outer London who want more support and I’m pleased to be able to announce today a major expansion to the scheme run by TfL to ensure we can help them.”

When does ULEZ expansion happen?

Mr Khan’s expansion of the ULEZ, penned in for August 29, recently received a major boost when the High Court ruled against five opposing Conservative councils and judged the scheme to be lawful.

The mayor has however come under increased pressure from both the government and senior Labour figures since the Tories held the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, with the ULEZ expansion largely seen as decisive in the result.

Once implemented, all drivers of non-compliant vehicles will be liable to pay a daily charge of £12.50.

TfL and the mayor have said 90% of cars seen driving in outer London already meet the ULEZ emissions standards.