If you’re hiring a van in London, ULEZ compliance isn’t optional anymore – it’s essential. Since the Ultra Low Emission Zone expanded across all London boroughs in August 2023, driving a non-compliant vehicle costs you £12.50 every single day. That’s £87.50 per week added to your hire costs.
At North London Van & Truck Hire, our entire fleet is 100% ULEZ compliant. This means when you book with us from our Enfield or Hertford branches, you’ll never face unexpected ULEZ charges. We’ve invested in modern, low-emission vehicles so you can focus on your move, delivery, or job without worrying about daily penalties.
This guide explains exactly what ULEZ compliance means, how to check if a hire van meets the standards, and why it matters for your next booking in North London.
What Is ULEZ and Why Does It Matter for Van Hire?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day. If you drive a non-compliant van anywhere in Greater London, you’ll be charged £12.50 per day. Cameras automatically read number plates and send penalty notices to registered keepers.
ULEZ covers:
- All 32 London boroughs
- The City of London
- Areas well beyond the North and South Circular roads
When you hire a van, you’re responsible for any ULEZ charges incurred during your rental period. If you book a non-compliant vehicle, these charges stack up fast:
- Single day hire: £12.50 ULEZ charge
- Weekend hire (Fri-Mon): £50.00 ULEZ charges
- Week hire: £87.50 ULEZ charges
That’s why choosing a ULEZ compliant hire van isn’t just environmentally responsible – it’s financially sensible.
ULEZ Emission Standards Explained
ULEZ compliance depends on your vehicle’s emission standard, not its age. Here’s what you need to know:
Petrol vehicles must meet:
- Euro 4 emission standards (generally 2006 onwards)
Diesel vehicles must meet:
- Euro 6 emission standards (generally September 2015 onwards)
Most modern hire vans meet these standards, but older vehicles in some hire fleets don’t. At NLVTH, we’ve eliminated this risk entirely. Every van, truck, and minibus in our Enfield and Hertford locations meets or exceeds Euro 6 standards.
What Are Euro Emission Standards?
Euro standards measure how much nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter vehicles emit. The EU introduced progressively stricter standards:
- Euro 1 (1993): Basic emission controls
- Euro 2 (1996): Tighter limits on carbon monoxide
- Euro 3 (2001): Reduced NOx emissions
- Euro 4 (2006): Particulate filters for diesel cars
- Euro 5 (2011): Lower NOx limits for diesel
- Euro 6 (2015): 80% reduction in diesel NOx vs Euro 5
For London’s ULEZ, only Euro 6 diesel vans pass. Euro 5 diesels – even relatively modern ones – face daily charges.
How to Check If a Hire Van Is ULEZ Compliant
Before you book any van hire, check compliance using Transport for London’s official vehicle checker at tfl.gov.uk/check-vehicle. You’ll need the vehicle registration number.
When booking with NLVTH:
- We provide full vehicle details before you collect
- Our entire fleet is pre-certified ULEZ compliant
- You can verify any vehicle using TfL’s checker for peace of mind
- We display Euro 6 compliance certificates in our office
Red flags with other hire companies:
- Vague statements like “most vehicles are compliant”
- Older vans (pre-2016 diesels are likely non-compliant)
- No written confirmation of ULEZ status
- Unexpected charges appearing after your hire
Get written confirmation that your hire vehicle is ULEZ compliant before you drive off the forecourt. If a company can’t provide this, walk away.
Why NLVTH’s 100% ULEZ Compliant Fleet Matters
We’ve invested significantly in our fleet to guarantee every vehicle meets ULEZ standards. This commitment means:
For you:
- Zero daily ULEZ charges
- No surprise penalties arriving weeks later
- Drive anywhere in London without restrictions
- Lower fuel consumption (modern engines are more efficient)
- Better vehicle reliability (newer fleet maintained every 5,000 miles)
For London:
- Reduced air pollution in neighbourhoods across the city
- Lower NOx emissions contributing to better public health
- Supporting the transition to cleaner commercial transport
Our fleet includes modern Ford Transit vans, Mercedes Sprinters, and Vauxhall Vivaro models – all post-2016 Euro 6 diesel vehicles. We’ve also added electric vans to our Enfield location for customers wanting zero-emission options.
Planning Your Route: ULEZ Coverage in North London
ULEZ now covers everywhere within the M25 motorway. For North London van hire customers, this includes:
Major areas affected:
- Enfield (our Brimsdown branch location)
- Barnet
- Haringey
- Waltham Forest
- Redbridge
- Havering
- Newham
- Camden
- Islington
Key routes:
- A10 corridor (accessing our Enfield branch)
- A406 North Circular
- M25 (not included in ULEZ zone)
- A1(M) southbound into London
If you’re collecting from our Enfield branch at 1320 Mollison Avenue (behind McDonald’s), you’re already inside the ULEZ zone. Our 24-hour drop-off facility means you can return your van outside office hours without any issues.
ULEZ and the M25
The M25 itself isn’t in the ULEZ zone, but all areas within it are. If you’re driving from Hertford (our second branch location) to collect a van, you’ll enter ULEZ when you leave the M25 corridor.
Practical tip: Our Hertford branch at Kingfisher Nurseries, White Stubbs Lane, sits just outside the ULEZ boundary. Customers who primarily need vehicles for work outside London sometimes prefer collecting from Hertford to minimise time in the zone.
Cost Comparison: ULEZ Compliant vs Non-Compliant Van Hire
Let’s look at real numbers for a typical moving house scenario:
Example: Weekend house move (Friday to Monday)
Non-compliant hire van:
- Base hire cost: £120 (3 days)
- ULEZ charges: £50 (4 days including Friday)
- Total: £170
NLVTH ULEZ compliant hire:
- Base hire cost: £120 (3 days)
- ULEZ charges: £0
- Total: £120
Saving: £50 (29% less)
For a week-long hire, you’d save £87.50. That’s nearly enough to hire a second van for a day.
Some hire companies offer lower base rates but use older, non-compliant vehicles. The ULEZ charges erase any savings and leave you worse off.
Common ULEZ Questions from Van Hire Customers
“What if I only drive through ULEZ zones without stopping?”
It doesn’t matter. ULEZ isn’t congestion-based – it’s emission-based. Drive into the zone for one minute and you owe £12.50 for that entire day.
“Can I modify a non-compliant van to pass ULEZ?”
Theoretically yes, but retrofitting costs thousands and most hire companies won’t do it. Simpler to hire a compliant vehicle from the start.
“What if I forget to pay the ULEZ charge?”
You’ll receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) for £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. This comes to the registered keeper – often the hire company – who’ll charge you plus admin fees.
“Are electric vans ULEZ compliant?”
Yes, all electric vehicles are automatically compliant because they produce zero tailpipe emissions. We offer electric van hire at our Enfield branch for customers wanting the most environmentally friendly option.
“Does ULEZ apply on bank holidays?”
Yes, ULEZ operates every day except Christmas Day. Bank holiday Monday? You’re paying if your van isn’t compliant.
ULEZ Compliant Vehicles in Our Fleet
Our BVRLA-certified fleet at North London Van & Truck Hire includes:
Small vans (Euro 6 diesel):
- Ford Transit Connect
- Vauxhall Combo
- Load capacity: 3-4 cubic metres
- Perfect for: Small deliveries, tool transport, city errands
Medium vans (Euro 6 diesel):
- Ford Transit Custom
- Mercedes Vito
- Load capacity: 6-8 cubic metres
- Perfect for: Furniture moves, medium deliveries, trade work
Large vans (Euro 6 diesel):
- Ford Transit LWB
- Mercedes Sprinter
- Load capacity: 10-13 cubic metres
- Perfect for: House moves, bulk deliveries, construction materials
Luton vans with tail lifts (Euro 6 diesel):
- Ford Transit Luton
- Payload: Up to 1,200kg
- Perfect for: Heavy items, furniture, commercial deliveries
Electric vans (zero emissions):
- Available at Enfield branch
- 150+ mile range
- Perfect for: Local deliveries, environmental commitments, ultra-low running costs
Every vehicle is GPS tracked and serviced every 5,000 miles to maintain efficiency and reliability.
Beyond ULEZ: Other Emission Zones to Know
While ULEZ is the biggest concern for van hire in London, be aware of:
Congestion Charge Zone:
- Central London only (much smaller than ULEZ)
- Monday to Friday, 7am-6pm (not weekends)
- £15 daily charge
- Applies to all vehicles regardless of emissions
- Our vans aren’t exempt from this
Low Emission Zone (LEZ):
- Covers most of Greater London
- Applies to larger vehicles (lorries, buses, coaches)
- Our 7.5 ton trucks meet LEZ standards
- Daily charge: £100-£300 for non-compliant large vehicles
For van and minibus hire, ULEZ is your primary concern. Our fleet meets all London emission requirements.
Why Choose NLVTH for ULEZ Compliant Van Hire
As a family-run business with over 30 years experience, we understand North London’s transport needs. Our commitment to ULEZ compliance reflects our broader service standards:
Transparent pricing:
- £100 pre-authorised deposit (not taken unless necessary)
- 150 miles daily allowance with 10p per extra mile
- Insurance excess £1,200 (reducible to £200 for £15/day)
- No hidden ULEZ charges
- No surprise penalties
Convenient service:
- 24-hour drop-off at Enfield branch (1320 Mollison Avenue, behind McDonald’s)
- Two locations: Enfield and Hertford
- AA breakdown cover included
- GPS tracking for vehicle security
- Monday-Thursday 20% discount available
Fleet quality:
- 100% ULEZ compliant vehicles
- Serviced every 5,000 miles
- Modern post-2016 fleet
- Electric van options
- Full vehicle checks before every hire
As BVRLA members, we adhere to the highest professional standards in the vehicle rental industry. This includes clear communication about vehicle compliance and emission standards.
Booking Your ULEZ Compliant Van
Online booking: Visit nlvth.com to check availability and reserve your vehicle. Our online system shows real-time fleet availability at both Enfield and Hertford branches.
Phone booking: Call 020 8805 0011 to speak with our team. We’ll help you select the right vehicle size and confirm ULEZ compliance for your specific journey.
Collection requirements:
- Valid UK driving licence
- Proof of address
- Credit or debit card for deposit
What’s included:
- Comprehensive insurance
- AA breakdown cover
- 150 miles per day
- 24-hour drop-off option (Enfield)
- Full fuel tank (return full)
- All vehicle maintenance and servicing
Making the Most of Your ULEZ Compliant Hire
Fuel efficiency tips: Modern Euro 6 vans run efficiently, but you can maximise economy:
- Keep motorway speeds below 60mph
- Avoid heavy acceleration
- Remove unnecessary weight from the van
- Plan routes to minimise stop-start driving
- Check tyre pressures before long journeys
Route planning: Our Enfield branch offers easy A10 access heading both north and south. If you’re moving house from North London into Central London, the A10/A1 corridor provides direct access without unnecessary ULEZ zone time.
Return flexibility: Our 24-hour drop-off at Enfield means you’re not constrained by office hours. Finish your move at 11pm? Drop the keys in our secure box and walk away. No penalties for out-of-hours returns within your hire period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ULEZ compliant mean for van hire?
ULEZ compliant means the van meets Euro 6 emission standards for diesel vehicles (or Euro 4 for petrol). You can drive it anywhere in Greater London without paying the £12.50 daily charge. All vehicles in our NLVTH fleet are ULEZ compliant, so you’ll never face these charges when hiring from our Enfield or Hertford branches.
How do I know if a hire van is ULEZ compliant?
Check the vehicle registration on TfL’s website at tfl.gov.uk/check-vehicle before you book. At NLVTH, we provide written confirmation that every vehicle is ULEZ compliant, and you can verify the registration yourself for complete peace of mind. Our entire fleet is post-2016 Euro 6 diesel or zero-emission electric.
What happens if I drive a non-compliant hire van in London?
You’ll be charged £12.50 for each day you drive in the ULEZ zone. If you don’t pay within 3 days, the penalty increases to £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days). As the hirer, you’re responsible for these charges, not the rental company. This is why hiring a compliant vehicle from the start saves you money and hassle.
Are NLVTH’s vans really 100% ULEZ compliant?
Yes. We’ve invested in a modern fleet specifically to meet ULEZ standards. Every van, truck, and minibus at our Enfield and Hertford locations meets or exceeds Euro 6 emission requirements. We provide Euro 6 compliance certificates in our office, and you can independently verify any vehicle registration on TfL’s website.
Do I pay less to hire a ULEZ compliant van?
Our base rates are competitive regardless of compliance – but you save significantly on ULEZ charges. A weekend hire saves you £50 in ULEZ fees. A week hire saves £87.50. When comparing quotes, always factor in ULEZ costs for non-compliant vehicles from other companies, as the “cheaper” rate usually ends up costing more overall.
Can I hire an electric van to avoid ULEZ entirely?
Yes, we offer electric vans at our Enfield branch. These produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them ULEZ compliant by default. They’re perfect for local deliveries within the 150+ mile range, and running costs are lower than diesel. Book ahead as electric vans are increasingly popular.
Does ULEZ apply at weekends?
Yes, ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year except Christmas Day. Weekend house moves are common, so hiring a compliant van is essential. Our Monday-Thursday 20% discount encourages off-peak hires, but weekend ULEZ compliance remains just as important.
What areas of North London are in the ULEZ zone?
All of Greater London within the M25 is now in the ULEZ zone. This includes Enfield, Barnet, Haringey, Waltham Forest, and every other North London borough. Our Enfield branch at 1320 Mollison Avenue (behind McDonald’s) sits within the zone, while our Hertford branch is just outside the boundary.
Book Your ULEZ Compliant Van Today
Don’t let ULEZ charges inflate your hire costs. At North London Van & Truck Hire, our 100% compliant fleet means you drive anywhere in London without daily penalties.
Next steps:
- Visit nlvth.com to check availability
- Call 020 8805 0011 to discuss your needs
- Collect from Enfield or Hertford
- Drive anywhere in London charge-free
Our family-run business has served North London for over 30 years. As BVRLA members, we maintain professional standards that protect your interests. Our transparent pricing, modern fleet, and convenient 24-hour drop-off make us the smart choice for ULEZ compliant van hire.
Book online now or call us at 020 8805 0011. Our team will help you select the right vehicle and confirm collection arrangements at either our Enfield (1320 Mollison Avenue, Brimsdown EN3 7NJ, behind McDonald’s) or Hertford (Kingfisher Nurseries, White Stubbs Lane, Bayford, SG13) locations.