'Crazy surge' in diesel sales ahead of Ulez expansion

A road sign indicating Ulez's expansion into the London boroughs from 29 August. Credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images Europe

Expanding The Ultra Low Emissions Zone (Ulez) across London has led to a «crazy surge» of drivers trying to sell substandard cars, according to the CEO of the online car market.

Carwow chief John Weichmanis said his office has seen a surge in new ads for old diesel vehicles in London following a High Court ruling last month that opened up the possibility for London Mayor Sadiq Khan to expand the city's low emission zone.

“People basically held out until the decision of the High Court. Many admit that we need clean air in London, but the process of achieving this goal and seeing how it is managed is somewhat messy.”

New non-compliant listings on Carwow jumped 50 % for the week after the ruling on July 28. After the decision of the High Court, 82 cars per day were put up for sale.

The flood of cars hitting the market at the same time means many drivers are at risk of getting a low price, Mr Weichmanis said.

Drivers only had a month to react to the High Court's decision, and Ulez expanded on August 29 to cover all parts of London.

ULEZ London expansion plan

Motorists now have to pay £12.50 per day for driving non-compliant vehicles. In London. Ulez is charged 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas.

The expansion was met with criticism from campaigners and proved unpopular with voters. Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer blamed the policy for his party's failure to win a Uxbridge seat from the Conservatives in the recent by-election.

A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: «Nine out of ten cars seen driving, the London suburbs on average per day already meet Ulez requirements, and their drivers will not have to pay the fee.»

Cars over 40 years old are exempt from tax. Gasoline vehicles complying with Euro 4 emission standards and diesel vehicles complying with Euro 6 emission standards are not subject to the Ulez fee. This means that petrol vehicles registered after 1 January 2006 and diesel vehicles built after 1 September 2015 will be eligible.

Londoners living in the expansion area and receiving certain benefits can receive a one-time payment of £2,000. if they scrap their car that doesn't meet the requirements.

Learn more about Ulez

A spokesperson added: «The mayor encourages all people to first use the TfL vehicle inspection system to check if their car is compliant, and if No. t, apply for a recycling scheme as soon as possible. TfL processes applications as quickly as possible and the response time is good.”