Motorists in London could dodge the ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) charge thanks to a new update by Waze. It is launching a new smart routing feature which will help motorists avoid driving in the zone, therefore, skipping the emissions charge. The update will allow users to state if they are compliant with the charge inside the app so that their route can be planned accordingly within the restricted areas. Drivers will receive alerts if their route goes through the ULEZ zone and can choose whether or not to travel that way.
It will help drivers to steer clear of unnecessary fines and ultimately reduce their carbon footprint by finding optimal routes to travel.
Finlay Clark, UK Country Manager, Waze commented: “Waze is being used as a part of the Mayor’s far-reaching work to protect London’s health from damaging air pollution.
“London is now the sixth most congested city in the world and by supporting ULEZ, we’re playing a big part in removing congestion which should ultimately help improve air quality.
“The ULEZ supported routing will not only help to decrease harmful emissions but also help drivers to avoid unnecessary fines and toll charges.
“Through Waze, transport authorities are reaching communities like never before – we can’t physically take cars off the roads, but the route to cleaner air could start with one notification at a time.”
Waze has worked with Transports for London (TfL) on the update.
Alex Williams, Transport for London’s Director of City Planning, said: “The introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone is now just around the corner and it is great to see that so many drivers are gearing up to help tackle London’s toxic air and protect the health of Londoners.
“We have been working hard to ensure that drivers are aware that their vehicle needs to be compliant if they are to avoid paying the charge.
“We have also been supporting businesses, charities and others in their preparations – with many already making the move to comply.
“This, along with the £23m diesel van scrappage scheme and the £25m low income scrappage scheme due later this year, will help drivers replace their polluting vehicles and help create a cleaner city to the benefit of everyone.”
The ULEZ will charge motorists £12.50 to enter if their car does not meet the predetermined emissions standard.
This is Euro 4 for petrol cars, vehicles registered before 2006, and Euro 6 for diesel, vehicles registered before 2015.
Motorists who fail to pay the charge could be fined £160.
Nearly 95 per cent of London’s population live in areas that exceed the World Health Organisation’s air pollution targets by 50 per cent or more, posing a serious threat to public health.
The ULEZ integration is part of TfL’s long-term partnership with Waze’s Connected Citizens Program (CCP) designed to encourage healthier, cleaner, more efficient cities.
To add a ULEZ pass, users should visit Settings > Toll passes & exemptions > London C Charge Exempt / London ULEZ Compliant.
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