Less than one in 50 cars for sale in London is ULEZ-compliant and affordable to those on a budget, new data shows

Motorist in London are facing a shortage of ULEZ complaint cars, as new data revealed that less than one in 50 ‘affordable’ ones are for sale. 

According to research from Auto Trader only 461 out 24,500 vehicles, which are for sale across Greater London, meet the capital emissions standards and are affordably priced at less than £2000. 

As of August 2023 to drivers of older and more polluting diesel cars have been subjected to a £12.50 daily driving fee as part of the scheme to reduce air pollution in London. 

And although Transport for London assured drivers ahead of its implementation that they did not need to ‘purchase a brand new vehicle as affordable, compliant vehicles are available’, this latest research would suggest that this is not the case. 

According to research from Auto Trader only 461 out 24,500 vehicles, which are for sale across Greater London, meet the capital emissions standards and are affordably priced at less than £2000

The demand for second-hand cars across Britain soar ahead of the ULEZ introduction, pushing the average advertised price up to £17,880, compared to just £13,600 in February 2020 – an increase of 32 per cent.

Ian Plummer, commercial director at AutoTrader said: ‘For those on a tight budget, there are few options for affordable motoring left in London six months on from the introduction of the extended ULEZ zone. 

‘With fewer than 500 cars for sale below the £2000 limit of the Mayor’s scrappage scheme, many could be faced with the unpalatable choice of paying up to £3000 in ULEZ fees or being forced off the road altogether.’

Also only 917, or 3.7 per cent, of the 24,500 vehicles listed on the online marketplace failed to meet the ULEZ requirements. 

Also only 917, or 3.7%, of the 24,500 vehicles listed on the online marketplace failed to meet the ULEZ requirements

While TfL has launched a £110million scrappage scheme to offer financial support to those who ditch their older polluting cars, it offers a paltry £2,000 to drivers who scrap their motors.

The scheme is also only available to those living within the 32 London boroughs and people can only apply for the scheme if they are receiving certain low income or disability benefits.

It was estimated that there were around 200,000 non-compliant vehicles in London when the new legislation came in.  

Susan Hall, the Conservative mayoral candidate, has run her campaign was a strong focus against ULEZ, which she vows to scrap if elected in May. 

She said: ‘Sadiq Khan’s new £12.50 per day ULEZ tax has been absolutely devastating for people who cannot afford to go to work, get to the hospital or visit their family.

‘It is those on the lowest incomes who are most likely to own non-compliant cars and be hit by this tax. And despite the Mayor’s rhetoric, his own independent impact assessment found it would do next to nothing to improve air quality.’