TfL plans to introduce cleaner vehicle discount to lower emissions

Transport for London (TfL) is planning to replace the Ultra Low Emission Discount (ULED) with a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount in a bid to clean up the toxic air in London, UK.

A public consultation has been launched by TfL to seek public opinions regarding measures to reduce traffic and improve air quality in central London.

Under the new proposal, exemption from the Congestion Charge for private hire vehicles (PHVs) will be withdrawn as the new Cleaner Vehicle Discount will be introduced.

TfL is planning to introduce the new rule from April, which will require diesel cars or vans to meet the Euro 6 standard to be exempt from paying the charge.

From 2021, only electric vehicles with zero tailpipe CO₂ emissions will qualify for the discount, which will begin to be completely phased out in 2026.

Since the introduction of the Congestion Charge 15 years ago, the number of vehicles entering the zone every day has decreased by about 30%. However, the number of different PHVs entering the zone in charging hours has reached 18,000 a day, increasing from the expected 4,000. As a result, it worsened air pollution and congestion in central London.

TfL city planning director Alex Williams said: “If we are to clean up the capital’s toxic air and tackle congestion in central London, we need to have the appropriate incentives, as well as the right interventions.

“The Congestion Charge has had a real impact on improving London’s roads for all since it launched fifteen years ago. However, over that time the availability and standard of low-emission vehicles has greatly advanced and the number of private hire vehicles entering the zone during charging hours has rocketed.”

According to an estimate, the removal of the PHV Congestion Charge exemption will cut the number of PHVs entering central London by up to 45%.

Removing these vehicles could reduce congestion and improve journey times for bus passengers while reducing emissions.