Upgrade the old for the new: London’s ￡110 million ULEZ Scrappage Scheme set to help van owners

Great news for van owners and anyone looking to add or upgrade their business fleet in the capital; the Mayor of London has launched a new, and revolutionary, ￡110 million Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme in a major step towards fighting air pollution and embracing sustainable transportation. Commencing in June 2023, this initiative encourages the exchange of older, more polluting vehicles for cleaner and greener options. The scheme encompasses multiple vehicle categories, offers grants to van owners, and comes with a whole host of advantages in the capital. Here’s everything you need to know…

Why did London need a ULEZ scrappage scheme??

London, like many other urban areas, has long struggled with the detrimental effects of air pollution. Vehicle emissions, particularly from diesel engines, have been a major contributor to the city's poor air quality. Recognising the urgency to address this issue, the City of London’s new ULEZ Scrappage Scheme presents an opportunity for van owners to upgrade to cleaner vehicles, leading to a significant reduction in harmful emissions.

The introduction of this innovative scrappage scheme is specifically designed for vans and minibuses, making significant strides in improving the city's air quality. This initiative provides crucial support to eligible sole traders, micro businesses, and charities, enabling them to replace their polluting vehicles that fail to meet the strict emissions standards of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

Ben Alderson, Managing Director at Work and Welfare, said: “The new ULEZ Scrappage Scheme in London is a game-changer for both the van industry and van owners. The financial incentives to upgrade old vehicles to newer van models means that businesses and individual are saving saving money whilst investing in the future of their company and the planet too.

Who is eligible for the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme?

Micro Businesses:

Micro businesses meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply for the scheme:

• Have 10 or fewer employees.
• Demonstrate a turnover of up to ￡632,000 or a balance sheet total of up to ￡316,000 in the preceding and current financial year.
• Hold an active company registration with Companies House or be VAT registered within the 32 London boroughs or the City of London.

Sole Traders:

Sole traders who fulfill the following conditions are eligible to participate in the scheme:

• Operate as a self-employed individual owning and running a business within the 32 London boroughs or the City of London.

Registered Charities:

Charities that meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for the scheme:

• Registered with the Charities Commission as active entities within the 32 London boroughs or the City of London.

Apply for the scheme here

"These grants make it easier for businesses and individuals to switch to cleaner vans without breaking the bank. And let's not forget about the improved efficiency. Lower and zero emission vans will not only save you money on operating costs but also require less maintenance in the long run." - Ben Alderson

What are the available grants for van owners?

Under the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme, van owners in London can avail themselves of grants towards the purchase of new, low-emission vehicles. This assistance aims to alleviate the financial burden associated with upgrading their vans. When replacing a diesel van that complies with Euro 5 or older standards or a petrol van that complies with pre-Euro 4 standards with a brand-new diesel or petrol van, van owners can receive a grant of ￡5,000. Furthermore, those transitioning to an electric van can benefit from a grant of ￡7,500.

The van scrappage scheme offers:

• Scrap a van - ￡5,000
• Retrofit a van - ￡5,000
• Scrap a van and replace with an electric van - ￡7,500

What are the benefits for van owners??

1. Financial Relief: The scheme offers van owners valuable financial support, making it economically feasible to switch to cleaner vehicles. Grants work as an incentive and provide help to mitigate the costs of purchasing a new van or upgrading an existing one. This can potentially reduce overall expenditures for businesses or individuals.
2. Longevity and low running costs: Modern low-emission vans, especially electric models, are known for their exceptional efficiency. Electric vans result in reduced operating costs, as electricity is often cheaper compared to traditional fuel sources. Additionally, these vehicles require less maintenance, leading to long-term savings for van owners.
3. Elevate your brand’s reputation: As environmental awareness grows, businesses and individuals increasingly prioritize sustainability. By embracing the scheme and transitioning to greener vans, owners can showcase their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. This not only aligns with evolving consumer preferences but also contributes to building a positive brand image.

"At Work and Welfare, we are prepared and ready to assist our customers in making the transition to cleaner vehicles. Additionally, our expertise in custom conversions means that we’ll be able to provide a bespoke van that’s equipped to help businesses become more productive and efficient in their daily operations," Ben added.

At Work and Welfare, we have helped thousands of customers upgrade to newer, ULEZ-compliant vans. Being one of the UK’s leading custom van retailers, we offer bespoke conversions on a range of new vans, ready to help your business thrive.?Our in-house experts can help to find the ideal van to meet your requirements.

Discover the latest conversion vans and great offers we have available at Work and Welfare today. Contact our friendly team on?01282 222 182.?

We can help you choose your next van and transition to a greener, cleaner, and more planet-conscious future.?