The ULEZ scrappage scheme in London is set to close to new applicants primarily due to a significant drop in applications.This indicates that the majority of eligible residents have already taken advantage of the scheme to replace their older, more polluting vehicles with cleaner alternatives.
The scheme has successfully supported many Londoners in transitioning to less polluting vehicles, contributing to the overall goals of the ULEZ in reducing emissions and improving air quality.
Transport for London (TfL) has reported that compliance levels in London are now at over 96 per cent, inferring that the scrappage scheme has been successful in achieving its objectives. TfL has seen a 53 per cent reduction in non-compliant vehicles driving on an average day over the six months of expansion compared to June 2023.
According to TfL since the scrappage scheme opened over 18 months ago, 53,944 applications have been approved, with £186,089,700 allocated in total.This includes:
- 36,008 Londoners who have had their application approved to scrap their non-compliant car or motorcycle, totalling £69,502,200 in grants.
- 17,936 applications approved to scrap or retrofit a van or minibus, totalling £116,587,500 in grants.
The ULEZ scheme in London has been quite successful in reducing emissions and improving air quality. Here are just some of the key achievements, according to London.gov.uk:
Reduction in Pollutants: Since its introduction in 2019 and subsequent expansions, the ULEZ has significantly reduced harmful emissions. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels in central London are 46% lower, and in inner London, they are 21% lower than they would have been without the scheme.
Fewer Polluting Vehicles: The number of older, more polluting vehicles has dropped by 60%, with 74,000 fewer such vehicles driving in the zone daily.
Improved Air Quality: The expansion of the ULEZ has brought cleaner air to millions more Londoners. For example, PM2.5 exhaust emissions from cars in outer London are estimated to be 22% lower than they would have been without the expansion.
Health Benefits: The reduction in emissions has contributed to better health outcomes, with fewer premature deaths and lower risks of asthma, cancer, and other pollution-related illnesses.
Overall, the scrappage scheme has played a crucial role in supporting the goals of the ULEZ by making it easier for residents to transition to less polluting vehicles. It’s had a substantial impact on reducing air pollution and promoting cleaner air in London. If you’re a new applicant and thinking about applying, don’t forget to get in there before the deadline!
