It’s fair to say that the recent expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in London has sparked controversy. We recently explored whether classic cars are compliant or exempt from ULEZ, but in this article, we explore the impact that ULEZ has had on specialist and classic car owners.
ULEZ expansion: Challenges that specialist car owners are facing
Although the principle was to improve air quality, critics voiced their concerns about the ULEZ expansion being badly timed with the ongoing cost of living crisis that we’re all experiencing. Among those most affected are specialist car owners, who now find themselves facing financial burdens if they wish to drive their vehicle within the zone.
We know how much time and effort is poured into investing and maintaining vehicles – it’s a job in itself! It’s a shame that many specialist cars now fail to meet the emissions standards required to avoid ULEZ charges.
Specialist car owners are left with a few options:
- Pay hefty daily fees to drive their prized possessions.
- Heavily restrict or change the usage of their vehicle – for example, fewer but longer trips.
- Look to store their vehicle outside the ULEZ zone.
- Undertake costly modifications to make them compliant – such as convert to an electric engine.
- Swap the vehicle for one which is compliant or exempt (read guidance on this here).
- Make use of the scrappage scheme.
- Sell their vehicle and give up ownership of their specialist car – but we hope not many car owners will have to resort to this!
