ULEZ and Your London Move

Since the ULEZ expansion in August 2023, the Ultra Low Emission Zone covers all of Greater London — every borough, not just the inner zones. This affects removal vans, and it's worth knowing what it means for your quote before you book anyone.

What is the ULEZ charge?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone charges vehicles that don't meet certain emission standards to drive within the zone. For vans, the daily charge is £12.50. Older diesel vans are the main casualty — many smaller removal operators still run vehicles that trigger the charge.

Are ULEZ-compliant vans available?

Yes. Vans manufactured from around 2016 onwards typically meet Euro 6 diesel standards, which are ULEZ-compliant. All Ace Removals vans meet the standard. We don't pay the daily charge — and neither do you.

What about the Congestion Charge?

The Congestion Charge zone covers Central London roughly within the Inner Ring Road. The charge is £15 per day during charging hours: 7am–6pm Monday to Friday, 12pm–6pm Saturday and Sunday. It doesn't apply overnight, on Christmas Day, or before 7am.

Where possible, we schedule Central London pickups to start before 7am. If your move can't avoid the charging window, the £15 is included in your quote — no invoice after the fact.

What to ask before you book

Two questions worth asking any London removal company:

1. Are your vans ULEZ-compliant? The answer should be yes.
2. Is the Congestion Charge included in the quote, or billed after the job?

Some companies advertise a low headline rate and then add London surcharges on the invoice. This isn't illegal, but it's worth knowing upfront. A written quote that includes all charges is the clearest way to avoid this.

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

Separate from ULEZ, the Low Emission Zone applies to larger vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Most removal vans are under this threshold, but large lorries used for commercial relocations or long-distance moves can be affected. If your move requires an HGV, ask specifically about LEZ compliance.