Photo: London Mayor’s Office
London to end scrappage scheme for older vehicles
20 August 2024
by Christopher Carey
The scrappage scheme for vehicles that do not meet Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards is set to close from next month, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.
A total of £186 million (US$241 million) has been paid out to almost 54,000 applicants to scrap older, more polluting vehicles, which otherwise would be subject to a £12.50 (US$16.20) daily charge.
Less than a third of the 61,000 applications for vans and minibuses were successful however, while over half of the 75,000 applications for cars and motorcycles were rejected.
“I am proud that the scrappage scheme – the biggest in the UK – has supported so many Londoners to switch to cleaner, greener vehicles,” said London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
“ULEZ compliance has now reached more than 96 percent, bringing cleaner air to millions of Londoners.”
The scheme – which was expanded in August 2023 – has seen £70 million in grants awarded to the owners of more than 36,000 cars and motorcycles while almost 18,000 vans and minibus owners were handed £116.5 million.
Some 232 charities also had their applications approved, receiving £1.7 million in grants, while at least 330 non-compliant vehicles were donated to Ukraine.
“The expanded ULEZ has meant that more than five million people are now breathing cleaner air and from the six-month report we have seen its success in driving down air pollutant emissions and concentrations,” said Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy.
“Harmful roadside nitrogen dioxide in outer London has fallen by over 20 percent through the different phases of the scheme.
“We encourage anyone who still needs support to submit their application before 8 September. Any remaining funds will then be considered for other proposed uses to further the Mayor’s Transport Strategy.’
The operator says application volumes are now “considerably lower” after more than 18 months of the scrappage scheme.
Lifeline
Oliver Lord, Head of UK at Clean Cities Campaign said the scheme has been a “lifeline” for many, and added TfL’s announcement was a “significant moment”.
“This now leaves a pot of money that can be strategically targeted where we need it most – driving our net zero goals.
“Supporting small businesses to transition to electric vans and pedal power is the next crucial step. However, removing the electric van grant at this time, especially coupled with the upcoming removal of the congestion charge exemption next year, is not sending the right signal.
“Van emissions in the UK are substantial and continue to rise. At the very least, the mayor should keep the electric van grant alive and explore other innovative ways to use it, such as social leasing schemes.
“This approach would put London back on the front foot, establishing the capital as a leader in sustainability business practices and zero-emission mobility.”
Image: London Mayor’s Office
