Is Heathrow in ULEZ? Charges, Rules & Exemptions Explained
Is Heathrow in ULEZ? Yes, since 29 August 2023, Heathrow Airport has been part of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This means that all vehicles entering the airport should be ULEZ-compliant. Otherwise, non-compliant cars have to face a £12.50 charge per day.
In this blog, we will discuss the ULEZ expansion and clear up every uncertainty you have about Heathrow and London’s ULEZ zone.
Key Takeaways: Is Heathrow in ULEZ?
- Heathrow Airport has been part of London’s ULEZ since 29 August 2023.
- Non-compliant vehicles pay £12.50 per day (midnight to midnight).
- A £5 terminal drop-off fee also applies, but not the Congestion Charge.
- ULEZ applies to all Heathrow terminals (2, 3, 4, and 5).
- Petrol Euro 4, Diesel Euro 6, hybrid, and electric vehicles are compliant.
- You can check your car using the official TfL ULEZ vehicle checker.
- Exemptions apply to black cabs, buses, coaches, Blue Badge holders, and historic/specialist vehicles.
- You must pay even if you’re only dropping someone off at the airport.
What is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a government initiative to improve the air quality. It was first introduced in London. The purpose of ULEZ is to discourage older polluting vehicles that contribute to air pollution. Your vehicle must meet specific emission standards to be considered ULEZ-compliant.
However, if you don’t meet the specified emission standards, you must pay £12.50 per day. The charges apply per day from midnight to midnight.
Heathrow Airport and ULEZ Expansion
First, ULEZ was introduced in April 2019 in central London, covering the same area as the Congestion Charge Zone. In October 2021, it was expanded to cover the full area within North and South Circular roads. Later in August 2023, ULEZ was widened to all 32 London boroughs.
As part of this expansion, Heathrow now falls within ULEZ. It means that you have to pay daily charges if your vehicle does not meet ULEZ emission standards. The rules are applied to all Heathrow terminals.
How to Check if Your Vehicle is ULEZ Compliant?
Not every vehicle has to pay ULEZ charges. All those vehicles that meet specific emission standards, Euro 4 (petrol) and Euro 6 (diesel), are considered ULEZ-compliant vehicles. Also, Hybrid and electric vehicles are fully exempt from ULEZ charges, as they produce no tailpipe emissions.
The easiest way is to check whether your vehicle meets the standard or not by using the free ULEZ checker, and you simply need to enter your registration number.
However, you can also check from your vehicle’s V5C registration document, looking at section B registration date. Additionally, you should be aware that Euro 4 petrol, as of 2006, and Euro 5 diesel, as of 2015, are both compliant.
How Much Does it Cost to Drive to Heathrow in ULEZ?
If your vehicle doesn’t meet ULEZ standards, you must pay a ULEZ charge of £12.50 each day. However, the Congestion Charge does not apply at Heathrow Airport. And there is a £5 terminal drop-off fee if you stop your car.
Thus, the total cost of a non-compliant vehicle could be £17.50. You only pay £12.50 once from midnight to midnight, even if you enter Heathrow more than once a day. But if you return the next day, you must pay another £12.50 charge.
How do I pay the ULEZ charges?
You can pay ULEZ charges on the spot. It’s easy and can be done in a few ways. The fastest and most reliable method is paying through Transport for London’s official payment portal. And you can use the TfL “Pay to Drive in London” app.
If you prefer, you can call the TfL payment line (0343 222 2222) and pay over the phone. To make things even easier, you can set up Auto Pay.
Just remember that the charge runs from midnight to midnight, not for 24 hours from when you enter. So always keep track of the time you travel in and out of the zone. And you can also cover previous days if needed.
Are there exemptions and discounts for ULEZ?
Yes, there are certain vehicles and drivers that are either exempt from the ULEZ charge or qualify for discounts. Blue Badge holders, historic vehicles, and specialist vehicles such as agricultural machines and military vehicles are not obliged to pay ULEZ charges.
Most importantly, there are no discounts and exemptions for residents within the ULEZ area. All must pay daily charges if their vehicle is not ULEZ-compliant.
Do all Heathrow’s terminals fall under the ULEZ zone?
Yes, all Heathrow’s terminals, 2, 3, 4, and 5, fall under the ULEZ zone. This means that vehicles entering or exiting will be subject to the charge. Therefore, if your vehicle doesn’t meet the Euro 6 standard, you’ll need to pay the fee.
Are taxis or buses affected?
London-licensed black cabs are exempt from ULEZ charges. But they should remain licensed and conform to age and emission rules. Also, the car should be no older than 12 years.
As for buses, minibuses, and coaches (over 5 tonnes gross vehicle weight), they are also exempt from paying ULEZ charges.
What if I’m only dropping someone off at Heathrow?
Even if you’re only dropping someone off, the ULEZ charge still applies. The charge applies to all vehicles that enter the zone, regardless of whether they park. If your vehicle does not meet ULEZ standards, you’ll need to pay. Therefore, you should check your car’s emissions standard before you go.
Final Word: Is Heathrow in ULEZ?
When driving to Heathrow, you need to budget for more than fuel and parking. With ULEZ expansion, the airport is now inside the zone, so non-compliant vehicles must pay.
It’s important to check before, and it not only saves you money but also avoids costly penalties. If your car is already old enough and costs you more, you should sell it and upgrade to a better option. Because such fines will drain your pocket day by day.
To get more information on topics such as ULEZ and car selling, please visit our latest blogs.
Upgrade to a ULEZ Compliant Car
If your car is old and costs you every time you make a trip to London’s ULEZ area, it might be time to upgrade. Sell your non-compliant car easily, with Exchange My Car.