25 August 2025

Driving in Central London

A practical overview of London’s Congestion Charge, the former T-Charge, the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)—what they are, when they apply and how much they cost.

London Congestion Charge (LCC)

Introduced in 2003, the London Congestion Charge (LCC) aims to reduce traffic and improve air quality in central London. Anyone driving in the Congestion Charge area must pay a daily fee.

The area runs roughly from Euston/Finsbury (north) to Kennington (south), and Hyde Park/Belgravia (west) to Tower Bridge (east), covering most of central London including the City, Covent Garden, the West End and Westminster.

Download a congestion charge area map.

Driving within the zone between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday, the Congestion Charge is £11.50 per day. You pay once per day regardless of the number of entries/exits. (This charge does not cover the Dartford Crossing “Dart Charge”.)

If your vehicle meets the required emissions standards you’ll pay only the Congestion Charge; if not, an additional cost (formerly the T-Charge) may apply. Exempt/discounted vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards may still need to pay the T-Charge. The payable amount is calculated during payment.

Payment: Pay in advance, on the day, or by midnight the following charging day. Advance/same-day payment is £11.50, rising to £14 if paid the following charging day. Auto Pay can reduce the cost by £1 per day. Non-payment will result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

T-Charge (Toxicity Charge)

Older vehicles must meet minimum Euro emissions standards or pay an extra daily charge. This covered cars, vans, minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs that didn’t meet Euro 4.

Introduced in October 2017, the T-Charge (Emissions Surcharge) applied to many petrol and diesel vehicles registered before 2006 and operated alongside the Congestion Charge (Mon–Fri, 07:00–18:00). The T-Charge was £10, taking the total to £21.50 for affected vehicles.

Minimum standards:

Euro 4 for petrol and diesel vehicles
Euro 3 for motorised tricycles and quadricycles

Trip-planning (e.g., consolidating deliveries) and right-sizing vehicles can reduce costs. DEFRA also advised several UK cities to introduce Clean Air Zones.

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

The LEZ encourages cleaner vehicles. Launched in February 2008, it covers most of Greater London and operates 24/7/365. It applies to diesel lorries, buses, coaches, motor caravans, motorised horseboxes, larger vans, minibuses and specialist vehicles (cars and motorcycles are not affected).

Vans/minibuses up to 3.5t GVW must meet at least Euro 3. Vehicles over 3.5t (large vans, minibuses, lorries, coaches) must meet Euro VI to enter without the daily charge.

If a vehicle doesn’t meet the standards, a daily charge applies for each day it’s driven within the LEZ. The charging day runs midnight to midnight—e.g., 23:30 to 01:00 spans two charging days. Charges apply every day, including weekends and public holidays.

The LEZ is not the same as the Congestion Charging Zone. The Congestion Charge applies 07:00–18:00, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) and is due even if LEZ standards are met or the LEZ charge is paid.

Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

From 8 April 2019, most vehicles entering central London must meet ULEZ standards or pay a daily charge. ULEZ has since expanded—always check the current rules before travelling.

ULEZ replaced the T-Charge and applies in addition to the Congestion Charge and LEZ where relevant. It operates 24/7 and (at launch) covered the same area as the Congestion Zone. Black taxis are exempt.

ULEZ emissions standards:

Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles
Euro 4 for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and specialist vehicles
Euro 6 for diesel cars, vans, minibuses and specialist vehicles
Euro 6 for lorries, buses, coaches and other specialist heavy vehicles

Costs: £12.50 per day for motorcycles, cars, vans and minibuses that don’t meet the minimum requirements; £100 per day for lorries and buses that don’t meet the standards.

Non-payment results in a PCN: £130 (reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days) for motorcycles, cars, vans and minibuses; £1,000 (reduced to £500 within 14 days) for HGVs, coaches and buses.

Check your vehicle

Transport for London provides an online tool to check a vehicle’s compliance across London’s restricted zones. Enter your registration to see any charges that would apply: Check your vehicle registration.

Information courtesy of Transport for London.

28 August 2025

DPFs What Drivers Need to Know About Diesel Particulate Filters

The majority of drivers are in the dark about what Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF's) actually do, why they do it - and how to maintain and extend their serviceable life.

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01 April 2025

Built-in Racking and Shelving

The article highlights the benefits of installing built-in racking and shelving systems in vans. It addresses common frustrations for tradespeople, such as lost tools, unsecured equipment, and wasted time searching the cargo area. Professional racking improves organisation, efficiency, and safety by securing tools, reducing wear and tear, protecting van interiors, and even saving fuel through weight reduction. Modern systems are lightweight, easy to install without drilling, and comply with safety standards. The piece also stresses the importance of safety, as unsecured tools can cause serious injury during sharp braking or accidents. Maun Motors emphasises that many of their quality used vans already come fitted with racking systems and provides links to search for such vehicles, alongside related reading on van safety and maintenance.

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01 April 2025

Plywood Lining Your Van

The post explains the importance and advantages of ply-lining a van. Ply-lining involves fitting protective wooden panels to the interior of a van’s load space, safeguarding the bodywork from dents, scratches, and other damage caused by shifting tools or cargo. This not only extends the life of the van and maintains its resale value but also creates a professional, tidy appearance for tradespeople. The article highlights how ply-lining can be customised to fit different vans and requirements, while also providing a solid base for adding shelving or racking systems. Maun Motors notes that many of their vans are already ply-lined and ready for use, offering added convenience and long-term savings for customers.

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01 April 2025

Air Conditioning in Vans & Commercial Vehicles

The article looks at the benefits of air conditioning in vans and commercial vehicles, moving beyond the common view that it’s just a “luxury”. It explains how air conditioning improves driver comfort and concentration, reduces fatigue, and contributes to overall safety on the road. The system also helps demist windscreens quickly in damp or cold conditions, improving visibility. For businesses, having air conditioning can enhance the professional image of their vehicles and even increase resale value. Maun Motors highlights that many of their quality used vans are fitted with air conditioning and provides links to search their stock for vehicles with this feature.

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01 April 2025

Buying a Van with High Mileage

This post provides guidance on whether buying a high-mileage van is a good idea, helping buyers make informed decisions. It explains that while high mileage can sometimes be seen as a negative, it doesn’t necessarily mean poor condition if the vehicle has been well maintained. The article covers key factors to consider, including full service history, type of mileage (motorway vs local), how the van has been used, and signs of wear and tear. It stresses the importance of professional checks, MOT records, and overall condition over mileage alone. The piece reassures readers that a high-mileage van can offer good value for money if carefully chosen, and reminds them that Maun Motors regularly stocks quality used vans with a range of mileages to suit different needs.

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01 April 2025

Branding Your Van

The article explores the benefits of branding a van with signwriting, vinyl wraps or decals, showing how it can turn a commercial vehicle into a moving advertisement. It highlights that van branding is a cost-effective marketing tool, reaching thousands of potential customers daily while reinforcing professionalism and brand recognition. The post explains the different options available, from simple vinyl lettering to full wraps, and stresses the importance of clear, consistent designs that reflect a business’s identity. It also notes practical benefits, such as paintwork protection from vinyl, and reminds readers that many Maun Motors vans are available ready for branding to suit a company’s needs.

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06 March 2024

Steve's Dream Machine

South Yorkshire motorcycling enthusiast Steve Vaughan transformed a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into his dream motorhome, complete with a huge rear cargo space to carry his beloved bikes. Working with Motorcraft Conversions and design input from his wife, Tina, the van was fitted with a stylish interior featuring all the comforts of home, from a full kitchen and bathroom to solar panels and exterior BBQ connections. With plans to tour across Europe, Steve and Tina now have a bespoke “Dream Machine” that blends practicality, luxury, and passion for motorcycling.

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Driving in Central London

London Congestion Charge (LCC)

T-Charge (Toxicity Charge)

Low Emission Zone (LEZ)

Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

Check your vehicle

DPFs What Drivers Need to Know About Diesel Particulate Filters

Built-in Racking and Shelving

Plywood Lining Your Van

Air Conditioning in Vans & Commercial Vehicles

Buying a Van with High Mileage

Branding Your Van

Steve's Dream Machine

Financial Conduct Authority

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