New electric vehicles may qualify for a plug-in grant of up to £3,500 for cars and £8,000 for vans. Find a list of eligible models here.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also launched a £23million scrappage scheme to help ‘micro businesses’ (those with 10 or fewer employees) and charities switch older vehicles for ULEZ-compliant ones.
“Vans criss-cross the capital making journeys that are crucial for London’s economy,” said Steve Gooding from motoring association RAC. “Helping smaller businesses, with limited cash flow, trade up to newer cleaner vehicles faster than they could do otherwise makes sense.”
Gerry Keaney, from the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA), added that “car clubs will also play a vital role in helping businesses and individuals make the shift to cleaner, ULEZ-compliant motoring from April 2019.”
ULEZ could put the capital at the forefront when it comes to tackling pollution and shaking up the idea of vehicle ownership. Other major cities will be watching how London implements, and ultimately benefits from, the scheme. And, if they follow suit, the positive impact on the environment and quality of life could be huge.
The charge clearly presents a challenge for businesses driving in London. But with a bit of adapting and thinking about driving and delivering in a new way, it could also present an opportunity to be at the forefront of the future of mobility.