London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) car tax changes have led to a surge in used petrol and diesel car sales, according to new data.
Statistics from motoring experts cap hpi have revealed a major surge in second-hand sales since the London charge was expanded in August 2023.
Overall, experts have noticed a whopping 10.6 percent increase in car sales across Outer London postcodes over the past four months.
Non-Euro 6 compliant diesel cars were the most affected with sales up a staggering 16 percent.
Meanwhile, motorists who do own Euro 6 Diesel cars were also desperate to sell their models with sales figures also increasing by 12 percent.
Craig Bridgman, principal consultant at cap hpi said experts had noticed a “definite trend” in the area since new ULEZ rules were introduced.
He said: “Our advertised retail data indicates a definite trend in the Outer London postcode area for people wanting to sell their older, non-Euro 6 compliant vehicles.
“This has become increasingly the case since the expansion of the ULEZ came into effect in August last year.
“There was a spike in sales for compliant diesel vehicles towards the end of the year between November and December, and this was seven percent in the last three months for Outer London.
“Sales of eight-year-old plus, non-compliant vehicles went from five percent to 16 percent, an increase of nearly 11 percent in the last month.
“Although car owners living in the affected areas are not panicking yet there is a noticeable trend for ditching non-compliant, eight years or older diesel vehicles, which is the time point when they become non-compliant.
“This shift indicates a definite response to the ULEZ charges and the age of vehicles.”
Sadiq Khan’s highly controversial ULEZ expansion saw the daily £12.50 fees introduced to Outer London areas such as Harrow and Bromley.
It left residents forced to pay £87.50 per week to use their vehicles in areas with relatively limited public transport services compared to Central London.
The charge was met with widespread criticism at the time with locals passionately protesting against the move.
However, The Mayor of London claimed the move was “necessary” as every London Borough exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO) air pollution limits.
Craig added: “Expanding the ULEZ and the cost of living crisis can be seen as contributory factors towards the upward shift in car sales.
“The 11 percent increase is evidence that people in the outer London postcodes are ditching cars that are older and more expensive to run rather than driving them in the ULEZ catchment areas.”
