Visiting London? Five tourist destinations hit by new ULEZ expansion that might catch you out TOMORROW
LONDON’S ULEZ is due to expand across all boroughs tomorrow – with FIVE tourist destinations hit by the move.
From Tuesday, motorists in non-compliant cars, vans and motorcycles will be hit with a daily £12.50 charge for driving in the zone.
As a general rule, most petrol cars made before 2006 and Diesel cars produced before 2015 will have to pay the ULEZ charge.
So far most of the 2,750 ULEZ cameras have been installed – but hundreds have been cut down by vigilante groups.
The scheme is expected to cost £140 million of taxpayers’ money.
But five key tourism hotpots will be covered by ULEZ, meaning it could cost you every time you visit some of the capital’s best venues and tourist hubs.
WEMBLEY
Wembley – which hosts 2.6 million people a year – is now in the ULEZ zone.
Hosting international football, concerts and even the NFL, the 90,000 capacity north west London stadium attracts people from across the UK.
Therefore if you plan on driving to events at Wembley you should check if their cars are ULEZ compliant before setting off.
HEATHROW AIRPORT
A whopping 61.6 million passengers travelled through Heathrow Airport last year, with 80.9 million in 2019.
Thousands drive to the airport each day, many in vehicles which will not be ULEZ compliant.
The whole airport is covered by ULEZ so there is no way to avoid the cameras.
And you may also be hit with other fees associated with entering the airport like parking, so it is vital you check before travelling.
It is important to bear in mind that if you keep your car at the airport for more than a day, you will also be charged for leaving, landing you with a £25 charge.
Heathrow Airport says on its website: “The daily charge is only applicable when a vehicle is driven within the ULEZ zone and does not apply when a vehicle remains stationary.”
TWICKENHAM
The expansion includes TW2 postcodes which includes Twickenham Stadium, home of English rugby.
The 82,000 capacity stadium plays host to various rugby events like the Six Nations but also hosts concerts, including Metallica in 2019.
Many choose to travel to Twickenham by rail but some drive, leaving thousands at risk of being hit with the £12.50 fine.
CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES
The Surrey theme park – which attracted 1.5 million people last year – falls in the ULEZ catchment.
Located on Leatherhead Road, every entrance is covered by the cameras, meaning there is no way to avoid it if your car is not compliant.
Chessington World of Adventures said the ULEZ expansion includes “all entrances to the resort which may affect those driving to us”.
WIMBLEDON
Tennis fans should also be aware that the home of The Championships is affected by the ULEZ expansion.
Wimbledon attracts over 500,000 visitors a year but those driving a non-compliant motor will need to pay the charge to get to the tennis.
Parking in and around Wimbledon can be tricky, and the nearest tube stations to the club are Southfields on the Tube’s District Line, and Wimbledon, on the main line and District Line.