Two-year ULEZ exemption period for minibuses operated by charities

09 November 2021

If you are responsible for a charity which is operating a minibus in the London area on a regular basis, you may be pleased to know that there is a two-year exemption in place from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge for the new, expanded zone. 

The new ULEZ, which is 18 times larger than the old zone, now covers all roads from central London up to (but not including) the North Circular and South Circular roads.

If your charity is running a minibus vehicle that is over 5 years old, the likelihood is that it does not meet the latest Euro emissions standard – Euro 6.

Euro 6 vehicles are manufactured to reduce the levels of harmful emissions including nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide and particulates. You can find out more about the Euro 6 standard, and its comparative predecessors, here.

However, as promised by London’s Mayor in a 2019 Q&A, ahead of the expansion, minibuses operated by not-for-profit organisations under a section 19 or section 21 permit will be exempt from the ULEZ charge for two years. Thisexemption is intended to provide charities with additional time to source an alternative, compliant vehicle.

In light of the recent ULEZ expansion and particularly with COP26 underway, there has never been a better time to invest in a new minibus, but we appreciate that the outlay if you purchase outright is significant, particularly if you are unable to obtain a grant from Transport for London. 

This can be mitigated by taking out a minibus lease with Marshall Minibus, where payments can be spread over a 5-year period. 

It is also important to note that by purchasing a new, Euro 6 compliant minibus, you will be saving on Clean Air Zone (CAZ) penalties in Birmingham and Bath, should you travel to these areas. 

If you would like to find out more about how Marshall Minibus can assist, please contact us on 01480 220444 or email info@marshall-minibus.co.uk. 

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