The ULEZ has grown massively in size
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The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London has expanded to cover an area containing more than four million people.
The changes kicked in yesterday (October 25) in a move designed to improve air quality and protect central London from vehicles that produce lots of harmful emissions.
It means that the ULEZ is now 18 times larger than it was a week ago, with a £12.50 daily charge coming to any driver of a car that doesn't meet the minimum emissions standard.
READ MORE:The fascinating stories behind Kent's lost and abandoned towns and villages.
The area – twice as large as Paris – covers a lot of key roads that connect central London to different parts of Kent.
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The 24/7 charge zone (except Christmas Day) will affect most diesel cars registered before 2015, and most petrol cars prior to 2005, but you can check here to see how your car will fare.
This isn't a traditional toll, with no booths or barriers to enforce it. Instead, drivers must pay online within 24 hours of entering the ULEZ or face a hefty fine.
According to TFL, despite recent improvements in air quality, toxic air pollution in London remains the biggest environmental risk to health. It can harm the lungs and worsen chronic illnesses such as asthma, lung and heart disease.
The ULEZ was first implemented in April 2019 and there has been a 44 per cent reduction in roadside nitrogen dioxide over the last two years.
However, that zone is now far larger and potentially far more disruptive for people in Kent.
The expansion of the ULEZ will take the area from central London to a single, larger zone.
The ULEZ now stretches up to the North Circular Road (A406) and the South Circular (A205), but does not include either road.
Drivers following the A2, A20, or A13 will all face the ULEZ as they approach the centre of the city.
This will have a big impact on drivers from northern or eastern parts of the county who have used the crossing at Dartford.
The upper parts of the A23 are also now covered by the ULEZ.
Some areas of historic Kent will be included in the ULEZ following the expansion.
Whilst Bexley is untouched by the ULEZ expansion, parts of Bromley will be within the new zone.
A large part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich will now be included within the ULEZ, including Plumstead, parts of Woolwich and Greenwich itself.
A vast area of Lewisham will also be impacted by the expansion.
Many Kent residents will regularly travel into these areas, so it's important to note ahead of next week's change.
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