New London ULEZ scrappage scheme goes live

A new scrappage scheme for Londoners with cars that don’t meet ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) requirements has been launched, with applications now open.

From 30 January, drivers living in one of London’s 32 boroughs can apply for up to £2,000 for scrapping a pre-Euro 4 petrol or pre-Euro 6 diesel car. Owners of non-compliant motorcycles can get up to £1,000, while up to £5,000 can be claimed to scrap or retrofit a non-compliant wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

The ULEZ is expanding on 29 August to cover the entirety of Greater London, with owners of non-compliant vehicles paying a daily charge of £12.50 to drive in the capital. Questions have been raised over public support following the consultation, though, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for the plans to be reconsidered.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is determined to press on, though, and has the backing of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in doing so. Nevertheless, many fear the expansion of the zone to such a large area could cancel out pay rises for nurses and teachers, while some Labour-run councils have expressed concerns that those living in deprived areas will be disproportionately impacted.

Although Londoners who can’t afford a compliant vehicle even with the scrappage scheme are encouraged to use public transport, this is of little help to tradespeople who need to use vans to get tools or materials to work every day.

Mayor Khan previously told Auto Express that he believed the Government should hold a national scrappage scheme to get diesel cars off the road. Such a policy was rumoured to be in the workings at the Treasury multiple times, but never came to fruition.

Have you scrapped a car before? Let us know what you think to the scheme in the comments below...