# Ultra-Low Emission Zones

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> An Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a defined urban area where vehicles failing to meet strict pollutant thresholds – primarily for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter – are charged a daily fee or banned from entry altogether.

An Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a defined urban area where vehicles failing to meet strict pollutant thresholds – primarily for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter – are charged a daily fee or banned from entry altogether. Standards are considerably tighter than in conventional low-emission zones, and enforcement relies on automatic number plate recognition operating around the clock. London introduced a city-wide ULEZ in 2019; comparable schemes operate in Paris and a growing number of European cities. For freight operators, the practical consequences include fleet upgrades, route adjustments, or permit applications – and where no exemption applies, ongoing charges that factor directly into last-mile delivery pricing.

**Source:** [https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/urban_mobility/ultra_low_emission_zones_en](https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/urban_mobility/ultra_low_emission_zones_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Ultra-Low Emission Zones |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 106 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/urban/urban_mobility/ultra_low_emission_zones_en |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/ultra-low-emission-zones](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/ultra-low-emission-zones)*

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