When looking to buy a house, potential buyers often look at a number of factors when making their decision. Proximity to a train station, school catchment areas, broadband speed and potential energy costs are all factors influencing a property purchase. One item to add to this list for those looking to buy in Greater London, is whether or not their car is ULEZ compliant, given the ULEZ is set to expand in August 2023. The daily ULEZ charge of £12.50 could add up for anyone who drives into the zone regularly, costing drivers up to £4,500 a year.
Research around the ULEZ expansion, commissioned by Motorway, reveals that nearly half (47%) of Londoners said they would sell in order to buy an electric vehicle in light of the potential expansion of ULEZ. However, due to the rising cost of living, many will be unable to make this switch. Research also uncovered that 4 in 10 (39%) Londoners sold their car when ULEZ was originally introduced due to having non-ULEZ compliant cars, and with plans of an expansion on the horizon, many more are set to follow suit.
According to data from Motorway’s ULEZ compliance checker, Land Rover and Mercedes are the most likely to be non-compliant with three in five (60%)1 vehicles facing fines.
Least ULEZ compliant cars by make*
Land Rover – 60%
Mercedes – 58%
Jaguar – 58%
Jeep – 57%
Volvo – 57%
Volkswagen – 56%
BMW – 55%
Audi – 54%
Honda – 47%
Ford – 44%
Alex Buttle, co-founder of online used-car marketplace Motorway said: “The proposed expansion of ULEZ to all of Greater London creates a new consideration for prospective home buyers planning a move to the capital and surrounding areas. Our ULEZ checker has identified the car makes which are indexing high for non compliance, meaning Mercedes and Land Rover owners could be hit with a daily charge of £12.50. With the rising cost of living, these charges start to add up and should be considered when budgeting for a property purchase and move. Our ULEZ compliance checker makes it quick and easy for any car owner to check if their car is compliant or not, which is important information for drivers across and near the Greater London region.”
Motorway, the UK’s fastest growing used-car marketplace, launched a ULEZ checker late last year making it easy for drivers to quickly check whether or not their car is compliant. This information is important for anyone living in and around the ULEZ area as well as anyone thinking of making the move to Greater London.
