Ultra-low emission zone aims to improve air quality

Drivers of cars that don't meet London's new pollution standards will be charged an extra 12.5 pounds ($ 16.3) when entering the center of the capital at any time, starting this week.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (also known as ULEZ) has come into force within the same area of central London as the Congestion Charge, which charged 11.5 pounds from 7 am to 6 pm on weekdays.

Transport for London hopes that the move will further reduce the number of polluting cars in use and air pollution, estimating about 40,000 vehicles will be affected every day.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that the new charge will help prevent thousands of deaths from air pollution, adding that the city's "toxic air is damaging people's health".

He said that it was "important we make progress" in tackling the "public health emergency", adding that it is the "poorest Londoners that suffer the worst quality air".

TfL estimates the initial scheme will lead to a reduction in toxic emissions from road transport by about 45 percent in two years.

Vehicles that don't meet the ULEZ emissions standards, namely Euro 4 standards for petrol cars and vans, Euro 6 standards for diesel cars and vans, buses, coaches and lorries, and Euro 3 standards for motorbikes, will have to pay the fee required.

The charge is 12.50 pounds for most vehicle types, and 100 for heavier ones, including lorries more than 3.5 tons and buses or coaches that are more than 5 tons.

The first phase of the new ULEZ came into force within central London on Monday, and will extend to cover more of London as well as requiring tighter emissions standards. According to TFL, in October 2021 the ULEZ will be expanded to the entirety of the inner city, out to the north and south circular roads.

Drivers who fail to pay the charge will face a fine of 160 pounds, although a first offence may result in only a warning letter.

Residents in the ULEZ, and others that are eligible for exemptions, can apply for a discount until October 2021 and only need to pay the Congestion Charge, according to the TFL website.

However, the Federation of Small Businesses said many small companies were "very worried about the future of their businesses" as a result of the "additional cost burden", BBC reported.

Jim Parker, managing director at car recovery company Boleyn, said the charge was "really unfair".

"We've had a local business, where the margins are so tight, they've now had to cease trading because they can't get a retrofit kit and they can't afford new vehicles," he said. "It's not just us, it is across the industry - everybody that owns a van or a truck and earns a living with it."