ULEZ Compliant
ULEZ Compliant Cars For Sale in Essex
Explore our broad range of cars that comply with ULEZ regulations, available for purchase. Whether you’re in need of a roomy family vehicle or contemplating an upgrade in response to evolving financial situations, we have ideal choices tailored for you.
View all of our ULEZ compliant cars
Welcome to LMC, your trusted destination for high-quality used cars in Essex. At LMC, we take pride in offering a diverse selection of pre-owned vehicles, ensuring that our customers find the perfect car to suit their needs and preferences. Our commitment to excellence extends to providing Ulez compliant cars, making us a reliable choice for environmentally conscious drivers.
Why Choose A ULEZ Compliant Vehicle?
One of the key advantages of choosing a Ulez compliant car is the ability to drive within the ULEZ zones without incurring additional charges. This not only saves money for our customers but also aligns with our commitment to providing cost-effective solutions. Our knowledgeable team at LMC is dedicated to assisting customers in finding Ulez compliant cars that meet their budgetary requirements, ensuring a seamless and economical car-buying experience.
Our extensive inventory includes a variety of makes and models, all meticulously inspected and maintained to meet our high standards. Whether you are looking for a fuel-efficient compact car for urban commuting or a spacious SUV for family adventures, LMC has a Ulez compliant option that suits your lifestyle.
Transparency and customer satisfaction are at the forefront of our business philosophy. When you step into our dealership, you can expect a hassle-free and informative experience. Our friendly staff is here to answer any questions you may have about Ulez compliant cars, their benefits, and the specific models we have available. We believe that an informed customer is a satisfied customer, and we strive to empower our customers with the knowledge they need to make confident decisions.
In addition to offering Ulez compliant cars for sale, LMC provides a range of services to enhance your car-buying journey. Our financing options are designed to accommodate various financial situations, and our experienced finance team is ready to assist you in securing a competitive loan tailored to your needs.
When you choose LMC for your used car purchase, you are not just buying a vehicle; you are becoming part of a community that values trust, integrity, and environmental responsibility. We are proud to serve the communities of Thurrock and Essex, providing a reliable source for Ulez compliant cars and unparalleled customer service.
Visit LMC today and explore our showroom to discover the perfect Ulez compliant car that aligns with your preferences and values. Drive confidently, drive responsibly, drive with LMC – where quality and eco-friendliness meet on the roads of Thurrock and Essex.
What is the London ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in London was introduced in April 2019. It was implemented to try and improve air quality in central London. The aim was to reduce the numbers of older cars that are more polluting from traveling through London. This involved a charge of £12.50 for cars, motorcycles, and vans.
This means that if you are considering buying a car from our used car dealer in Grays, you will need to check whether the car has low enough emissions to be ULEZ compliant.
In the beginning, the ULEZ zone was only a small central area of London. However, with effect from 29th August 2023, the zone now covers almost all areas within the M25 motorway.
How much is the ULEZ charge?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London implements a daily charge for vehicles that don't meet specific emission standards. As of 2024, most non-compliant vehicles incur a £12.50 daily fee, applicable 24/7 year-round, except on Christmas Day. This charge covers cars, motorcycles, vans, and specialist vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Larger vehicles like lorries, buses, and coaches face a higher £100 daily charge.
The ULEZ aims to improve air quality by encouraging the use of cleaner vehicles. It's important for drivers to check their vehicle's compliance and pay the charge if necessary to avoid potential penalties. The zone has expanded over time to cover a larger area of London, affecting more drivers and prompting many to consider upgrading to cleaner vehicles or exploring alternative transportation options.
What Are the Regulations Regarding ULEZ?
When the ULEZ zone was introduced, it set a standard of pollution levels that needed to be met for a given car to be compliant. This meant that certain cars would not be able to drive through the ULEZ zone without paying a charge. For petrol cars, this means that they must meet Euro 4 emissions standards. For diesels, it means meeting the Euro 6 standard.
If you are visiting our used car sales in Thurrock, we will help you with this to ensure you choose a car that is ULEZ compliant (if, of course, this is a particular priority for you). We make available a broad range of high-quality used vehicles, so you can be confident of finding the car that you want that will also be compliant. This, in turn, will enable you to live and work in the ULEZ area without having to pay the charge.
As a general rule, petrol cars sold before 2005 and diesels sold prior to 2015 will be subject to a ULEZ charge. However, we will always be able to confirm the compliance of any vehicle when you visit our used car centre.
Euro Standards
The ULEZ zone is based on the Euro Standards that were first introduced in 1992. Since then, these standards have continued to be tightened up. The most recent change came with the Euro 6 regulations in 2014.
The Euro Standards first apply to cars that are put forward for type approval. Before a manufacturer is allowed to put a new car on sale, it needs to go through this process. Any car put forward from 2014 must meet the Euro 6 standard. However, cars that were already approved were still allowed to be sold until 2015. The same applies for diesels; Euro 4 was introduced in 2005, but some cars could still be sold until 2006.
We can help you find the right car for you at one of our used car sales locations. In addition, we can help you afford your car using the right HP finance in Essex, so that you can worry slightly less about the headline price, and more about whether a given vehicle is the right match to the rest of your needs.
The best way to check whether any given car is compliant with the ULEZ requirements, is to look at the Transport For London (TfL) website before you travel. If you are looking for a ULEZ compliant car in Thurrock or Essex we have a range available at LMC!
How is ULEZ Enforced?
There are no physical barriers preventing you from entering the ULEZ zone. Instead, there are signposts and number plate recognition cameras placed at all the roads leading into the zone. When you approach these cameras, they will read your number plate and see if your car is compliant with the ULEZ scheme. If it is, you won’t be required to pay any charge.
However, if your car is not compliant and you have not paid the charge, TfL will send a fine to your home address. The fine can be reduced if you pay it within 14 days, and you will have a period of time to pay before they seek other action.
The signposts that tell you the ULEZ zone is approaching are well placed, so you should be able to see when you are entering the zone.
To explore ULEZ compliant options, feel free to reach out to LMC. We are committed to providing transparent and helpful guidance, ensuring that you make informed decisions regarding ULEZ regulations and your vehicle choices.
Contact our team
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FAQs
- What does ULEZ compliant mean?
ULEZ compliant means a vehicle meets the minimum emission standards set by Transport for London's (TfL's) Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). For petrol cars, this means meeting Euro 4 standards (typically registered after 2005). Diesel vehicles must meet the stricter Euro 6 standards (typically registered after September 2015).
ULEZ compliant vehicles can drive in the expanded London zone without paying the daily £12.50 charge, making them essential for anyone regularly travelling into or through Greater London.
- How do I check if a car is ULEZ compliant before buying?
You can check any vehicle's ULEZ compliance using the official TfL vehicle checker tool at tfl.gov.uk by entering the registration number. At LMC, all our ULEZ compliant vehicles are clearly marked, and our sales team can verify compliance before purchase.
We recommend checking compliance for any used car before committing to buy, especially if you'll be driving in London regularly. The vehicle's V5C logbook will show the Euro emissions standard, which determines ULEZ compliance.
- Which areas are covered by the ULEZ zone in 2025?
Since 29th August 2023, the ULEZ zone covers all areas within Greater London, extending to the M25 motorway boundaries. This expansion means the zone now affects approximately 9 million people across all London boroughs.
While Essex and Thurrock are not currently within the ULEZ, residents frequently travel into the zone for work, shopping, or leisure. If you live near the M25 or regularly drive into London, choosing a ULEZ compliant vehicle from LMC can save you thousands of pounds annually.
- What happens if I drive a non-compliant car in the ULEZ zone?
If you drive a non-compliant vehicle in the ULEZ without paying the £12.50 daily charge, you'll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. The charge applies every day you enter the zone, including weekends and bank holidays (except Christmas Day).
Cameras automatically read number plates at zone entry points, and fines are sent to the registered keeper's address. Repeated non-payment can result in increased penalties and debt collection action.
- Are there any exemptions from the ULEZ charge?
Several exemptions exist, including vehicles with a disabled passenger tax class or disabled driver tax class, military vehicles, historic vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1973, and certain specialist vehicles.
Blue Badge holders do not automatically receive exemption - only vehicles with the specific disabled tax class qualify. Residents living within the original central ULEZ zone had a sunset period for exemptions, but these have now expired. Most drivers need a ULEZ compliant vehicle to avoid charges.
- What's the difference between ULEZ and the Congestion Charge?
The ULEZ charge (£12.50 for most vehicles) is based on your vehicle's emissions standards and operates 24/7 across all of Greater London. The Congestion Charge (£15) applies only to Central London, Monday to Friday 7am-6pm, and Saturday-Sunday 12pm-6pm, regardless of your vehicle's emissions.
You may need to pay both charges if driving a non-compliant vehicle in Central London during Congestion Charge hours. Electric and ULEZ compliant vehicles still pay the Congestion Charge when applicable.
- How much can I save by driving a ULEZ compliant car?
Driving a ULEZ compliant car saves £12.50 every day you enter the zone. For someone commuting into London five days per week, this amounts to £3,250 annually. Over three years, you'd save £9,750 in ULEZ charges alone, not counting the better fuel efficiency most compliant vehicles offer.
When purchasing a used car at LMC, choosing ULEZ compliant vehicles is a financially smart decision that quickly pays for any additional upfront cost through daily savings.
- How do I pay the ULEZ charge if my car isn't compliant?
You can pay the ULEZ charge on the TfL website, via the TfL app, by phone, or at selected Payzone retail locations. Payment can be made up to three days before entering the zone or by midnight on the third day after.
Setting up Auto Pay automatically charges your registered payment method when your vehicle enters the zone. However, paying £12.50 daily quickly becomes expensive - investing in a ULEZ compliant used car from LMC offers better long-term value.
- Are all electric and hybrid vehicles ULEZ compliant?
All pure electric vehicles (EVs) are automatically ULEZ compliant as they produce zero emissions. Most plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) registered after 2015 are also compliant. However, some older hybrid models, particularly those registered before 2012, may not meet ULEZ standards.
Self-charging hybrids and mild hybrids must meet the same Euro standards as conventional vehicles. At LMC, we stock a range of ULEZ compliant vehicles, including electric, hybrid, and modern petrol options to suit every budget and driving need.
- Will ULEZ expand beyond the M25 or to other cities?
Currently, the ULEZ zone stops at Greater London's boundaries (within the M25). Transport for London has no announced plans to expand further. However, other UK cities, including Birmingham, Bristol, Portsmouth, and Bath, have introduced Clean Air Zones (CAZ) with similar emission-based charges.
While Essex and Thurrock aren't planning similar schemes, buying a ULEZ compliant vehicle future-proofs your purchase against potential regulatory changes and maintains higher resale value.
- Do I need to display anything to show my car is ULEZ compliant?
No stickers, badges, or permits are required for ULEZ compliant vehicles. The system works entirely through automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras that check your registration against the DVLA database.
When you enter the zone in a compliant vehicle, the cameras recognise that your car meets the standards and no charge applies. This automatic system means no paperwork or displays are needed - instead, your vehicle's compliance is linked to its registration number.
- What should I look for when buying a used ULEZ compliant car?
When buying a used ULEZ compliant car, verify compliance using the TfL checker, check the service history for regular maintenance, inspect the MOT history for recurring issues, and confirm the Euro emissions standard in the V5C logbook.
Here at LMC, every vehicle undergoes a thorough inspection, comes with a transparent history, and includes confirmed ULEZ compliance, giving you complete peace of mind with your purchase.
- Will the ULEZ emission standards become stricter in future?
While TfL (Transport for London) has not announced immediate plans to tighten ULEZ emission standards beyond current Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel) requirements, regulations could evolve as air quality targets develop. For example, the zone has already expanded significantly from its 2019 launch.
Choosing newer ULEZ compliant vehicles with Euro 6 standards (for both petrol and diesel) or zero-emission electric vehicles provides the best protection against potential future regulatory changes and maximises your vehicle's usable lifespan.