Since August 2023, the ULEZ expanded to cover all 32 London boroughs. If you drive a campervan in London, you need to understand the rules. Here is the full guide.
Verdict
The ULEZ expansion has made London expensive for older campervans. Check your vans ULEZ and LEZ status before planning a trip. If your van is not compliant, the cheapest option is to park outside the M25 and take the train. If you visit London regularly, buying a Euro 6 diesel van (post-2016) is the only sustainable solution.
What Is ULEZ?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone charges non-compliant vehicles £12.50 per day to drive within the Greater London area (inside the M25 but not the M25 itself). It operates 24/7, 365 days a year. The zone covers all of London — from Enfield in the north to Croydon in the south.
What Is LEZ?
The Low Emission Zone is a separate scheme for larger vehicles (vans over 1.205 tonnes unladen weight, lorries, buses, coaches). Campervans converted from panel vans are often classed as "light goods vehicles" and fall under LEZ rules. LEZ charges: £100-300 per day for non-compliant vans. This is on top of the ULEZ charge.
Is Your Campervan ULEZ Compliant?
The ULEZ standard is Euro 4 for petrol engines and Euro 6 for diesel engines. Check your vans Euro rating on the V5C (logbook) — it is listed in field (V.7). If you do not have your logbook, use the DVSA vehicle checker online. You will need the registration number. Compliant (no charge):
- Most petrol campervans registered after 2005
- Most diesel campervans registered after September 2015
- Electric campervans (very rare but zero charge) Non-compliant (£12.50/day):
- Diesel campervans registered before September 2015
- Petrol campervans registered before 2005
- Classic campervans (pre-1990): These are exempt from ULEZ but you must apply for the historic vehicle exemption
The LEZ Trap for Converted Vans
This is the most common surprise. Many vans converted to campervans are still registered as "Light Goods Vehicle" (LGV) on the V5C. If your van has a diesel engine and was registered before January 2017, it may be non-compliant with LEZ. LEZ requirements for vans:
- Diesel vans must be Euro 6 (most vans registered after September 2016)
- Petrol vans Euro 4 (most after 2005)
- If your LGV campervan is non-compliant, the LEZ charge is £100/day inside the M25, £200/day for Euro 3 or older The fix: If your campervan is registered as a "Motor Caravan" on the V5C (body type code 87 or 97), it is treated as a passenger vehicle and only the ULEZ charge applies — not LEZ. If your conversion is still registered as a van, you can reclassify it with DVLA. It costs nothing but requires photos of the conversion and a completed V627 form.
How to Avoid ULEZ Charges
- Drive a compliant van. The easiest long-term solution. Most Transits built after September 2016 are Euro 6. Most Ducatos after 2015 are Euro 6.
- Register a one-time payment. If you drive into London once, pay the £12.50 by midnight the next day on the TfL website.
- Use a Park and Ride. There are no Park and Ride schemes inside the ULEZ. You must park outside the zone and take public transport in.
- Park outside, travel in. Park in a London suburb outside the M25 (Watford, Uxbridge, Dartford, Sevenoaks) and take the train. Train fare from Watford Junction to Euston is £8 return — cheaper than the daily ULEZ charge.
Weekly Cap
From 2024, there is no weekly cap on ULEZ charges. If you drive a non-compliant van in London every day for a week, it costs £87.50. There is no discount for residents anymore (the 100% resident discount ended in 2022). The only significant exemption is for disabled drivers.
Overnight Parking
If you drive into London in the evening and leave the next morning, you pay £12.50 per day. There is no "overnight" discount. A 10pm arrival and 6am departure still counts as two days (£25 total).
Van Life in London on a Budget
| Strategy | Cost | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Park outside, train in | £8-15/day | Low (need to park van safely) |
| Pay ULEZ daily | £12.50/day | High (van is with you) |
| Buy a compliant van | £0/day extra | Best long-term |
| Use a remote start | N/A | Only works for pre-2015 diesels |
