🚨 Quick Summary
Moving in London involves navigating ULEZ (£12.50/day) and congestion charges (£15/day). Most modern removal vans are ULEZ compliant, but always check with your removal company. Plan routes carefully and understand exemptions to avoid unexpected costs.
Moving day in London can be stressful enough without worrying about unexpected charges from ULEZ and the congestion charge. With careful planning and the right knowledge, you can navigate these zones without breaking your moving budget.
Understanding London's ULEZ
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across Greater London. As of August 2023, ULEZ covers all areas within the M25 motorway, significantly expanding from its original Central London boundaries.
🚛 ULEZ for Removal Vehicles
- • Charge: £12.50 per day for non-compliant vehicles
- • Operating hours: 24/7, every day of the year
- • Payment deadline: By midnight the day after travel
- • Coverage: All areas within the M25
What Makes a Removal Van ULEZ Compliant?
✅ ULEZ Compliant Vehicles:
- • Petrol vehicles: Euro 4 standard or better (generally 2005 onwards)
- • Diesel vehicles: Euro 6 standard or better (generally 2015 onwards)
- • Electric and hybrid vehicles
- • Vehicles registered as disabled or used by disabled people
❌ Non-Compliant Vehicles:
- • Older diesel vans (pre-2015)
- • Older petrol vans (pre-2005)
- • Many larger removal trucks
- • Vehicles without proper emissions standards
London Congestion Charge
The congestion charge applies to Central London, covering a much smaller area than ULEZ but with different operating hours and rates.
💷 Congestion Charge Details
- • Charge: £15 per day (if paid by midnight the same day)
- • Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm
- • Area: Central London zone
- • Exemptions: Weekends, public holidays, Christmas period
Moving Day Strategy
🗓️ Timing Your Move
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- • Weekend moves: No congestion charge on weekends
- • Early/late starts: Begin before 7am or after 6pm to avoid congestion charge
- • Holiday periods: Take advantage of charge-free days
- • Route planning: Use alternative routes to avoid charging zones
🗺️ Alternative Routes
While ULEZ covers most of Greater London, careful route planning can help minimize congestion charge costs:
Route Planning Tips:
- • Use TfL journey planner: Check for the most efficient routes
- • Avoid Central London: Use ring roads where possible
- • North/South Circular: Alternative routes around central areas
- • Multiple stops: Plan efficiently to minimize zone entries
Working with Professional Removal Companies
🚛 Questions to Ask Your Removal Company
Essential Questions:
- • Are your vehicles ULEZ compliant?
- • Are ULEZ and congestion charges included in your quote?
- • What's your strategy for avoiding charges?
- • Can you provide evidence of compliance certificates?
- • Do you handle all charge payments, or is that my responsibility?
Potential Additional Costs
London Moving Day Charges
| ULEZ (per vehicle per day) | £12.50 |
| Congestion Charge (per vehicle per day) | £15.00 |
| Late ULEZ payment penalty | £180.00 |
| Late Congestion Charge penalty | £195.00 |
Exemptions and Discounts
ULEZ Exemptions
- • Vehicles for disabled people
- • Historic vehicles (40+ years old)
- • Military vehicles
- • Some specialist vehicles
- • Emergency services
Congestion Charge Exemptions
- • Electric vehicles (until 2025)
- • Vehicles for disabled people
- • Emergency services
- • Breakdown vehicles
- • Some commercial vehicles
DIY Move vs Professional Removal Company
🚐 DIY Van Hire
Pros:
- • Full control over timing
- • Can choose ULEZ-compliant vehicle
- • Potentially lower cost
Cons:
- • You're responsible for all charges
- • Need to check vehicle compliance
- • More stressful in busy London traffic
🏢 Professional Removal Company
Pros:
- • Expert route planning
- • Professional drivers
- • Usually have compliant vehicles
- • Handle charge payments
Cons:
- • Higher overall cost
- • Less flexibility with timing
- • Charges may be passed to customer
Your London Moving Action Plan
✅ Pre-Move Checklist
Planning Phase:
- □ Check removal company vehicle compliance
- □ Clarify who pays ULEZ/congestion charges
- □ Plan optimal moving day timing
- □ Research alternative routes
Moving Day:
- □ Confirm vehicle registration and compliance
- □ Keep receipts for all charges paid
- □ Monitor route progress
- □ Check charge payments are made on time
Moving in London? We've Got You Covered
Our modern, ULEZ-compliant fleet and expert London knowledge ensure your move goes smoothly without unexpected charges. All ULEZ and congestion charges are included in our transparent pricing.