ULEZ scheme set to favour motorcycles in London
A survey of 1,000 Londoners to find out if they will make any changes due to the new regulations being introduced for the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) found that 82.1% of Londoners have, or have thought about changing their transport in preparation for the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
The ULEZ area will cover the City of London as part of measures to improve the capitals air quality and will require all vehicles within the zone to meet tighter emissions standards.
It is expected that London will see a 141% increase in the use of mopeds, scooters and motorcycles as residents opt for low-emission models.
Surprisingly, the survey also reveals 31% of Londoners will not be able to afford to drive or ride their own vehicle within the new ULEZ, which is set to expand further to London’s North and South Circular Roads in October 2021.
Of the 1,000 Londoners surveyed by Bikesure 44.6% feel ‘frustrated’ by the ULEZ while 47% of those surveyed are happy with the new measures being introduced.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone?
Similar to London’s Congestion Charge, vehicles driving through the designated area bot have to pay if they meet stricter exhaust emission standards (Petrol: Euro 4 / Diesel Euro 6). but a daily charge of £12.50 (or risk a fine of £160) is due if the vehicle fails to meet the standards.
An estimated 80% of Londoners have changed their transport, or are thinking about changing their transport, with 36.6% already changing their vehicle ahead of the ULEZ introduction.
Of London’s motorcycle owners 55.6% have already changed their mode of transport and 33.3% are thinking about changing, which means 88% of motorcyclists are being impacted. In comparison 25.6% of car owners have already switched vehicles.
Public Transport
Almost 44.9% have opted to now use public transport with 14.7% opting to walk around London.
Mopeds, Scooters and Motorcycles
The survey showed there has been a 141% increase in mopeds, scooters and motorcycles purchased ahead of the ULEZ with residents opting for low-emission models which have 400% low-emissions for mopeds and scooters, and 37% for low-emission motorcycles.
Unlike the Congestion Charge Zone introduced in 2003, this time motorcyclists are not exempt from the ULEZ rules.
Cars
While moped, scooter and motorcycle owners are more open to low-emissions versions, car owners have yet to convinced with 87.9% of households owning a car and only 13.9% considering a low-emissions car or van.
A spokesman for Bikesure said: “The results that have come through from the survey are quite interesting.
“Out of the 1,000 people surveyed, 82.1% have changed or thought about changing the way they travel around the city in preparation for the ULEZ. Moped and scooter riders have also been keen to switch to low-emissions versions, more so than other motorcyclists and car drivers.
“We could be seeing more low-emissions scooters, mopeds and motorcycles on the market. This could be a sign of changes happening in the industry as more, and cheaper electric and low-emission models are being introduced to the market.
“The next five to 10 years will be a very interesting time.”
