ULEZ and Man and Van: What It Means for Your Move in 2026
If you are moving anywhere in or around London, ULEZ affects your removal costs. Here is exactly what you need to know before you book.
Book a ULEZ Compliant Van — 07721935061The ULEZ man and van question is one we get asked on almost every enquiry for a London move. Since the ULEZ zone expanded to cover all London boroughs inside the M25 in August 2023, any removal van that is not ULEZ compliant faces a daily charge of £12.50. Many operators pass this cost on to customers without being upfront about it. This guide explains exactly how ULEZ affects removals and what to check before you book.
What Is ULEZ and Where Does It Apply?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is operated by Transport for London (TfL). It applies to vehicles that do not meet minimum emission standards when driving within the ULEZ boundary. The zone now covers all of Greater London, from the outer boundary of Bromley and Croydon in the south to Enfield and Barnet in the north.
You can check the exact boundary and whether any vehicle is compliant using the TfL ULEZ vehicle checker.
Important: The ULEZ daily charge applies to the vehicle, not to individual journeys. A non-compliant van driving into London once in a day is charged £12.50 for that day regardless of how many journeys it makes.
Does ULEZ Apply to a Man and Van?
Yes. ULEZ applies to all motor vehicles including commercial vans, removal lorries and HGVs that do not meet the required emission standards. There is no exemption for removal vehicles or businesses.
The emission standard required depends on the fuel type:
| Fuel Type | Minimum Standard Required | Typically From |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol van | Euro 4 | 2006 onwards |
| Diesel van | Euro 6 | 2015 onwards |
| Electric van | Always compliant | N/A |
| Hybrid van | Depends on engine type | Varies |
How ULEZ Affects Your Moving Cost
If your removal operator uses a non-compliant van, they may add a ULEZ surcharge to your quote. This is typically £12.50 to £15 per day. For a move that starts in Kent and ends in London, the van enters the ULEZ zone for the delivery portion of the journey, incurring the charge.
Some operators are upfront about this. Others include it as a line item you only notice on the final invoice. Always ask explicitly: "Are your vans ULEZ compliant and is there a ULEZ surcharge?"
Affordable Man and Van: All our vans are fully ULEZ compliant. We never add a ULEZ surcharge. What you are quoted is what you pay, regardless of whether your move is wholly in London, London to Kent or Kent to London.
Areas Where ULEZ Compliance Matters Most
These areas are all inside the ULEZ zone. Any removal van operating here must be compliant:
- Woolwich (SE18) and the whole Royal Borough of Greenwich
- Lewisham (SE13) and the borough of Lewisham
- Bromley (BR1/BR2) including Beckenham and Bickley
- Croydon including Selsdon, Waddon and South Croydon
- All of Central London, East London and North London
Areas just outside the ULEZ boundary include Swanley, Sevenoaks, Dartford, Gravesend and Maidstone. Moves entirely within these areas do not trigger a ULEZ charge, but any journey that enters Greater London will.
How to Check If Your Man and Van Is ULEZ Compliant
- Ask the operator directly for confirmation that their vehicles are ULEZ compliant
- Ask for the van registration and check it yourself on the TfL ULEZ checker
- Check the quote for any mention of ULEZ surcharge or zone charge
- Read reviews to see if previous customers mention unexpected charges