Latest news with #ULEZ
Top Gear
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Thrills without the bills: the case for the classic Audi A2 1.4
Fast(ish) cars you can actually afford... and you might even want Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. What is it? OK, so the Every1 previews a small, efficient German EV, but the A2 was ahead of the game in all ways when it came to German efficiency 25 years ago. Why are we so interested? Because the 1.4 petrol A2 was an aluminium genius that's ULEZ compliant (not the diesel), and it was well packaged and efficient.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Uber Eats driver makes delivery in odd way as people say it'll 'take a while'
There are hundreds of Uber Eats couriers across the UK and while most deliver takeaways by car, bike or on foot, one courier came up with a very unique alternative An Uber Eats courier has come up with a very inventive way to deliver takeaways. You'll be familiar with couriers making deliveries on foot, or by car or bike, but one delivery man had a unique take. This courier took to a canal in east London all set with a green kayak, a double-ended paddle and the matching green Uber Eats delivery box at the back of the boat. A woman named Hannah caught him on video peacefully rowing while taking in his urban surroundings. Hannah shared the clip on TikTok and humorously said: 'If you've just ordered Uber Eats in Hackney it may take a while.' It is thought the video may have been taken on a section of Regent's Canal, which flows through the borough. While London boasts an expansive network of rivers and canals, it is not common to see delivery professionals complete their jobs via the capital's water ways. Hannah captioned her TikTok post with one simple word: 'Wholesome.' It has amassed more than one million views and over 500 comments at the time of writing. One comment uses a funny play on words as it reads: 'CanoeberEats.' Another user said: 'God forbid a man takes the scenic route.' A third asked: 'Does it say on the app ' arriving on a canoe'?' as the Uber Eats app typically lets customers know how their courier is making their way to the final address. A fourth joked: 'He's avoiding ulez, leave the man.' The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is an area in the capital where an emissions standard based charge is applied to non-compliant road vehicles. LinkedIn joined in on the fun as it commented: 'We spend a lot of time on LinkedIn but we've never seen this job ad.' "God forbid a man take the road less travelled," said another viewer. Someone else remarked: 'All these jokes in the comments, I legitimately want to know why he's in a canoe.' A different TikTok user responded: 'That's a pretty clear route from Islington to Finsbury Park. Bridge crossings are about a mile apart. There's few locks to move around. 'Far less chance of an accident than taking the towpaths. It's not a bad move.' Uber Eats couriers can use a variety of vehicles to make deliveries including motorbikes, bicycles and scooters but the most common method of transport is by road in a car. Delivering with Uber Eats is a flexible way of earning money as you can manage your own schedule by choosing when you want to make deliveries. There are many courier jobs in major cities across the UK, including London, Manchester, Liverpool and Edinburgh, as well as smaller cities around the country.
Auto Express
29-05-2025
- Business
- Auto Express
London Congestion Charge: map, times, exemptions and full details
If you plan on taking your car into central London, then you might need to pay the London Congestion Charge. This is a £15 daily fee, which applies when you drive into certain parts of London, but not all car drivers have to pay. Below we outline everything you need to know about the London Congestion Charge, how much it costs and how to pay, where the charge operates and the penalties for not paying it. Before we go any further, it's important to note that the London Congestion Charge is separate to the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which has its own rules, charges and penalties. Here we explain everything you need to know about the C-Charge. The London Congestion Charge zone covers eight square miles in the centre of the city, bounded by Euston Road and Marylebone Road in the north, Tower Bridge Road and Commercial Street in the east, Elephant and Castle and New Kent Road in the south, and Park Lane and Edgware Road in the west. Advertisement - Article continues below The Congestion Charge scheme is enforced by Transport for London (TfL), and is separate to the ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emission Zone) which currently operates across all London boroughs within the M25. The roads within the Congestion Charge zone are monitored by a network of Automatic Numberplate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Below is a map of the congestion charge zone. You can find out if a specific address is in the congestion charge zone by inputting the postcode on the TfL website. The London Congestion Charge applies to all vehicles that enter the zone between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 6pm on weekends and Bank Holidays. The charge does not apply between Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Motorists who drive into the London Congestion Charge Zone must pay £15 daily if they enter the zone during the times stated above. The £15 fee applies to those who pay the charge in advance, or by midnight on the day they enter the zone. If you haven't paid by this time, you will have until midnight on the third day after you travelled in the zone, but the fee will rise to £17.50. Transport for London has revealed proposals to increase the daily Congestion Charge to £18, although this new higher price won't come into effect until January 2026 if it goes ahead. Advertisement - Article continues below Some drivers and vehicles are eligible for exemptions or discounts, which we explain in detail further down this page. If you plan on driving into the London Congestion Charge zone, there are a few different ways you can pay. These include via an Auto Pay account, online, over the phone or in person at paypoints and blue and red self-service machines. You can pay the Congestion Charge up to 90 days in advance of entering the zone. If you regularly drive into central London during the Congestion Charge's hours of operation, you can set up an Auto Pay account via TfL's website. Using this service will also allow you to pay the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge as well as for the Blackwall or Silvertown tunnels at the same time if applicable. You can also manually pay the Congestion Charge on the TfL website, or by using TfL's official 'Pay to drive in London' app. Simply enter your vehicle's registration number, search for your vehicle and select the zones which apply. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below There are some third-party websites that claim to assist with payments, however these are not recommended due to a large number of fakes and scams. If you don't want to set up an Auto Pay account or don't feel comfortable paying the Congestion Charge online, you can pay over the phone by calling 0343 222 2222. Drivers with impaired hearing can call 020 7649 9123. Advertisement - Article continues below Phone lines are open between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. It's possible to pay the Congestion Charge at newsagents and petrol stations that can process payments. These shops usually have the red 'C' logo in the window. There are also red and blue self-service machines dotted around the Congestion Charge zone. If you drive a combustion-engined car, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, you will have to pay the Congestion Charge if you drive into central London during its hours of operation. All alternatively fuelled vehicles used to be exempt from the Congestion Charge but, since 25 October 2021, only zero-emission vehicles – such as electric cars and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles – have been exempt from the Congestion Charge. From 25 December 2025, however, even drivers of zero-emission cars will be required to pay the £15 daily charge. There are a number of exemptions and discounts on the Congestion Charge that are available to a selection of different vehicles and drivers. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Residents' discount Those who live within the Congestion Charge Zone are eligible for a 90 per cent discount if they can provide proof of their permanent address and are on an appropriate local electoral register. Permitted vehicles can be owned, leased or company cars. Rental and car-share scheme vehicles are also allowed if they are occasionally used. Simply apply online and provide TfL with a relevant utility bill and a copy of your V5C logbook. Advertisement - Article continues below Vehicles with nine seats or more If your vehicle has nine seats or more then it is eligible for a 100 per cent discount, but it must not be licensed for use as a bus. You will need to show TfL several documents, including the V5C vehicle log book and MoT certificate, in order to register the vehicle. Cleaner vehicle discount Until 25 December 2025, fully electric and fuel cell vehicles are eligible for the cleaner vehicle discount. After this date the discount will be discontinued, but for now these vehicles don't need to pay the Congestion Charge once they are registered with TfL. You will need to show the car's V5C document, which must state that the car is battery or hydrogen fuel-cell powered. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Blue Badge holders Anyone who holds a Blue Badge in the European Economic Area is eligible for a 100 per cent Congestion Charge discount, even if they don't drive or own a vehicle. Up to two vehicles can be registered for one person, provided that they are normally used by that person to travel within the zone. Along with a valid Blue Badge, one other document must be provided to prove your identity, such as a passport or recent DSS benefit entitlement letter. Advertisement - Article continues below Other Congestion Charge discounts Other vehicles that are eligible for discounts include accredited breakdown vehicles, roadside recovery vehicles and motor tricycles. You don't have to pay the London Congestion Charge if the vehicle is registered with the DVLA as one of the following: Tax-exempt vehicles used by disabled people, including vehicles for more than one disabled person (Dial-A-Ride, for example). A motorbike or moped, including those with a sidecar. Tax-exempt NHS vehicles, emergency service vehicles including HM Coastguard and Royal Parks Agency. Vehicles used by the Armed Forces are also exempt. Licensed taxis and buses, provided they meet the necessary criteria. If you haven't paid the Congestion Charge by midnight on the third day after travelling in the zone, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below If you are issued with a PCN, this will be for £180. However, TfL will reduce the charge to £90 if it is paid within 14 days of the date of issue. If you fail to pay or appeal the PCN within 28 days, you will then be sent a £270 Charge Certificate. If you then fail to pay the Charge Certificate within 14 days, or make a Statutory Declaration, you will be faced with an Order for Recovery. Advertisement - Article continues below An Order for Recovery is different from a County Court Judgement (CCJ) and it won't affect your credit score, but it will be classed as an unpaid debt. This means it will incur additional fees. You will have 21 days to pay the total amount. If you still haven't paid after the Order for Recovery's payment window closes, TfL will then bring in enforcement agents or bailiffs to recover all outstanding debt. If you wish to pay or appeal a Congestion Charge fine, you can do this via the TfL website or send it in writing. More information can be found on TfL's enforcement process web page. If you're buying a used vehicle and you want to check to see if it has outstanding Congestion Charge fines you can email TfL at OutstandingCCPenaltyCharges@ 2003 – Congestion Charge introduced by Mayor Ken Livingstone with a fee of £5 for car drivers. In 2013, he admitted: 'It turned out better than I expected.' – Congestion Charge introduced by Mayor Ken Livingstone with a fee of £5 for car drivers. In 2013, he admitted: 'It turned out better than I expected.' 2007 – The C-charge zone was extended further into west London. This was subsequently scrapped by then-Mayor Boris Johnson in 2011. – The C-charge zone was extended further into west London. This was subsequently scrapped by then-Mayor Boris Johnson in 2011. 2017 – A supplementary Toxicity Charge was introduced with an additional charge for higher-polluting vehicles. This became the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in 2019. – A supplementary Toxicity Charge was introduced with an additional charge for higher-polluting vehicles. This became the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in 2019. 2020-2021 – As Covid-related lockdowns hit, the C-Charge was initially suspended to help key workers, before being reintroduced, with extended hours and higher prices, as TfL tried to recoup lost revenues. – As Covid-related lockdowns hit, the C-Charge was initially suspended to help key workers, before being reintroduced, with extended hours and higher prices, as TfL tried to recoup lost revenues. 2025 – Electric cars will no longer be exempt from the Congestion Charge as of 25 December. 17 February 2003 was a pivotal day for motorists in the UK, marking the first time they were asked to pay for the privilege of driving into the centre of one of our major cities. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below London's Congestion Charge divided opinion at the time, and over two decades later, it remains hugely polarising. Advocates claim the scheme plays a key role in trying to shift attitudes towards transport in our capital city. Critics, of which there are many, argue it is little more than an unfair tax on motorists that has delivered few tangible benefits. Christina Calderato, director of transport strategy and policy at Transport for London, which is responsible for the charge, is unequivocal that it has been a success. 'When it was originally implemented, you saw the impacts of it happening overnight and then those impacts embedded,' she says. 'So immediately, we saw a 15 per cent reduction in circulating traffic and a 30 per cent reduction in congestion. Over time that has been maintained.' She acknowledges a central aim is to 'disincentivise' people from driving, but dismisses the accusation that revenue raising lies at the heart of the C-charge. 'It's a policy-based scheme,' Calderato continues. 'The current MTS [Mayor's Transport Strategy] sets an objective of 80 per cent 'sustainable transport mode share' by 2041. 'To achieve that London-wide, you really do need as many people as possible in central London using sustainable forms of transport. We can't have car-based growth in London. We don't have the road space for it.' Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below A rise in cycling of 137 per cent between 2000 and 2019 is highlighted as one positive outcome. But opposition to the C-Charge remains strong. Roger Lawson of the Freedom for Drivers Foundation (FfDF), formed in south-east London to promote the interests of motorists, disputes TfL's claim it has been a success and argues: 'No proper analysis has been provided giving real data in recent years, but we all know congestion has got worse.' Definitive figures are hard to come by, because different studies use different metrics. However, analytics software company INRIX's 2022 Global Traffic Scorecard suggests Lawson has a point, with Londoners losing 156 hours to traffic a year – making it the most congested city in the world. But Calderato counters: 'We know that it would be worse if we weren't doing what we are doing.' How the money is spent is another bone of contention. TfL's most recent annual statement of accounts showed C-charge revenues for the full year increased from £316million in 2020/21 to £423m in 2021/22. These are intended to be reinvested in transport in London, but critics such as the FfDF argue that the high operational costs of the C-charge mean there are few significant benefits. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The fact that emissions have always been taken into account has been a constant source of irritation to some, who argue that this is not relevant to its principal aim, which is reducing traffic, particularly when a separate charging scheme, the ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emission Zone) is also in place. Calderato argues they are very different, explaining: 'If you do have to be there in central London during charging hours, we want it to be in as clean a vehicle as possible. For ULEZ, you don't need to be in the greenest vehicle possible. You just need to be in one that meets the emission standards, which most vehicles do.' She admits they are likely to be more intertwined when the C-charge marks its 40th anniversary in 2043. 'In the very long term,' she says, "what we are looking at is having some kind of more sophisticated road-user charging rather than having a Congestion Charge, an Ultra-Low Emission Zone and a Low-Emission Zone [a scheme for large diesel vehicles across Greater London currently in operation]. We recognise that this kind of landscape is becoming increasingly complex.' Consultations are already under way as to how this might work and what should be taken into account; distance driven, type of vehicle, time of day and other elements are all being considered. However the C-charge evolves, one thing that will not change is the feeling entertained by many motorists that they are being 'discriminated against', as the FfDF puts it. After over 20 years, squaring that particular circle remains as far away as ever. Did you know you can buy a used car with Auto Express? Choose from tens of thousands of cars with trusted dealers around the UK. Click here to buy used with Auto Express now... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel Editor Paul Barker thinks the EV transition is coming whether we like it or not Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month The BYD Seal is a seriously tempting Tesla Model 3 rival, especially at this price. It's our Deal of the Day for 26 May
Metro
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Metro
London's congestion charge set to rise - here's how much it could cost you
Drivers could soon face a higher congestion charge in central London after plans to increase it were revealed. Driving in central London is far from enjoyable – and it could soon be more expensive after TfL proposed to hike up the daily charge to £18. There are also plans to limit the residents' discount to electric vehicles only. The move is designed to crackdown on traffic congestion and incentivise electric car uptake to promote sustainable travel. Here is everything you need to know about the increase and when it will kick in. The proposed rise would increase the daily fee from £15 to £18. This is not the first time the charge has changed. The first rise was in June 2020, when the charge went up from the original £11.50. Another big change in the pipeline is who could get the residents' discount. From March 2027, the residents' discount would be available to new applicants only if they have an electric vehicle. Currently, residents get a 90% congestion charge discount, regardless of whether they drive petrol or electric. If approved, the daily charge could increase within months. Drivers should brace for the 20% rise from January 2, 2026. Coupled with the ULEZ charge, some drivers might face more than £30 in daily fees after the proposed increase. Currently, the charge is £15 if paid in advance or on the same day. If paid by midnight of the third day since travel, it is £17.50. Under the proposal, the later payment on the third day would increase to £21. The penalty for not being within 48 hours is £180. At the moment, EV drivers do not have to pay any congestion or emission charges in London. However, this is about to change from January too, when electric car drivers will have to shell out £13.50 each day, and HGVs, vans and motorbikes have to pay £9. The congestion charge is different from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges. The congestion charge aims to cut down traffic, while the emission zone charges drive down air pollution in the capital. They are separate charges, so some drivers might have to pay them all if their vehicle does not meet emission standards. The ULEZ, LEZ and DVS charges operate in the same area as the Congestion Charge. Congestion Charge (CC) : Operates between 7am-6pm during weekdays and 12pm-6pm on weekends and bank holidays in central London. There is no charge between Christmas Day andNew Year's Day bank holiday : Operates between 7am-6pm during weekdays and 12pm-6pm on weekends and bank holidays in central London. There is no charge between Christmas Day andNew Year's Day bank holiday ULEZ : The Ultra Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day except on Christmas Day : The Ultra Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day except on Christmas Day LEZ : The Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year : The Low Emission Zone operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year Blackwall and Silvertown tunnel charges : The tunnel charge applies to each crossing between 6am and 10pm every day of the year except Christmas Day : The tunnel charge applies to each crossing between 6am and 10pm every day of the year except Christmas Day Direct Vision Standard (DVS) for lorries: Applies to lorries over 12 tonnes at all times Around 2,200 extra vehicles could clog up London roads if the changes are not made, TfL said. Congestion cost London an estimated £3.85 billion – or £942 per driver – last year and made London Europe's most gridlocked city, a study by traffic analyst Inrix said. Seb Dance, the deputy mayor for transport, said: 'The congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, but we must ensure it is fit for purpose. 'Sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year. 'At the same time we must support Londoners and businesses to use greener and more sustainable travel. That's why I'm pleased we're proposing that substantial incentives remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles.' People can have their say in the congestion charge consultation until August 4. The ULEZ charge – currently £12.50 a day – will not change. Drivers have to pay ULEZ, which applies in the entire Greater London, if their car does not meet the emission standards. More Trending Generally, most modern vehicles – like cars registered after 2006 – tend to meet these standards. ULEZ has cut roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations by 54% in central London and 24% in outer London since it launched in 2019, TfL said. The first version of the charge started in central London on February 17, 2003. Initially, the fee was £5, doubling to £10 by 2011. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Thames Water given largest-ever £123,000,000 fine over sewage pumping MORE: The UK's best restaurant has been crowned and it sells 'superb' £10 sandwiches MORE: London nightclub bouncer accused of rape 'used fake ID' to get job
Scotsman
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Avoid these expensive mistakes when buying your first car, says motoring expert
Searches for 'new cars for new drivers' have risen by 26% over the past three months, and with the growing interest, experts have shared how to get the best deal possible. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Experts are sharing top tips for first-car buyers to avoid overspending on new cars. This comes as Vertu have noticed that searches for 'new cars for new drivers' have risen by 26% over the past three months. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While new cars offer the appeal of modern features and warranties, they also come with different financial considerations that buyers should be aware of. Searches for 'new cars for new drivers' have risen by 26% over the past three months So, to help first-time buyers navigate the process without overspending, automotive experts at Vertu have shared guidance on common financial missteps to avoid. 1. Don't focus solely on the sticker price It's easy to be distracted by the sticker price, but running costs are just as important. Creating a full budget that includes not only the monthly payment but also fuel, insurance, road tax, and maintenance will give you a clearer idea of what you can afford in the long run. 2. Understand depreciation Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When considering a new car, think beyond the immediate appeal of a brand-new model and consider its long-term value. This is particularly important if you expect to need to upsize your car in the future. There are a few factors that affect how in-demand your car will be when the time comes to sell it on the used-car market. Cars from trusted brands with strong resale demand, such as the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, or Honda Civic, typically depreciate more slowly. This is also true for cars with a higher fuel economy, that are cheaper to maintain, are ULEZ compliant, and that have high safety ratings. 3. Be cautious with long finance terms Longer finance terms can make monthly payments more affordable and allow for a wider range of cars to choose from. However, some terms can result in you paying far more than the car is worth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You should stick to a loan term that you can comfortably manage. Generally speaking, the shorter the term, the less interest you'll pay overall. And don't forget, there are plenty of options available, so you take time to research and understand what the best types of car finance are available to you. 4. Avoid rushing the process First-time buyers are often eager to get behind the wheel, but slowing things down can lead to better results. That's why it's worth visiting a few different showrooms, comparing features that matter to you, and asking questions about what's included in the price. It's important to take a few days to think things over before signing anything, which helps avoid unexpected costs and ensures the car is the right fit for their lifestyle. 5. Take advantage of manufacturer incentives New car buyers can benefit from special manufacturer incentives, such as cashback offers, 0% finance deals, or trade-in bonuses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You should research any available deals before visiting a dealership as there may be seasonal promotions that can save you money. Don't hesitate to ask about potential deals or discounts, as you may be able to negotiate a better price based on these incentives.
