{"id":9335,"date":"2025-10-10T10:10:44","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T09:10:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=9335"},"modified":"2026-04-02T15:21:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T14:21:23","slug":"ulez-scrappage-scheme-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/ulez-scrappage-scheme-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"ULEZ Scrappage Scheme Explained (2026) | Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you wondering what the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme is and if you could\u2019ve claimed money for your old car? The short answer is yes if you qualify. You could have received up to \u00a310,000 for scrapping or donating a non-compliant vehicle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But not everyone was eligible. Daily <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-much-is-the-ulez-fine-is-it-the-same-as-ulez-charge\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ULEZ charges<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> still apply, and failing to comply could cost you hundreds each month.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we\u2019ll break down everything you need to know, who qualified, how it worked, and what other options are still available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, without any delay, let\u2019s get into it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ULEZ Scrappage Scheme helps Londoners replace older, polluting vehicles. It offers a grant if you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/scrap-my-car\">scrap your car<\/a> or van, but it should be non-compliant. The goal is to reduce harmful emissions in the city. You get money to switch to a cleaner vehicle or other travel options.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s run by Transport for London (TfL). The scheme supports the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion. If your vehicle doesn\u2019t meet the rules, you could face daily charges. This scheme gives you a way to avoid them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You don\u2019t need to guess if you&#8217;re eligible. You can simply check your vehicle using an online <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/ulez-checker\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ULEZ checker<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> tool. If it qualifies, you can apply for the grant directly online.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Scrap Your Car for Cash the Easy Way\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              Enter the registration number and mileage of your scrap car to get instant offers from companies offering legally compliant car scrapping services in the UK. Free scrap car removal is included!\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">Sell your car!<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Is Eligible for the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To qualify, you must live in one of London\u2019s 32 boroughs or the City of London. You also need to receive certain benefits, like Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit. If you run a small business or charity, you may qualify, too. However, you must meet the specific TfL criteria.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, your vehicle must not meet <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-makes-a-car-ulez-compliant\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ULEZ-compliant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> emission standards. Second, it must be registered in your name or your organisation&#8217;s. Third, it must be insured, taxed, and have a valid <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/check-mot\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MOT<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Otherwise, your application could be rejected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, there are limits on how many vehicles you can scrap. For example, sole traders can apply for one vehicle. Meanwhile, small businesses and charities can apply for up to three.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Vehicles Qualify for the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fexchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2FULEZ-sign-board-is-euro-5-ulez-compliant.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"Ulez sign board - ulez scrappage scheme\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only certain vehicles are eligible for the scheme. To qualify, your car, van, or motorbike must fail to meet ULEZ emissions standards. Petrol vehicles must be Euro 4 or older. Diesel vehicles must be Euro 5 or older.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TfL checks each vehicle\u2019s registration and emissions. So, it must be UK-registered and owned by you or your organisation. It must also be taxed, insured, and have a valid MOT. Without this, you can\u2019t apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, vehicles must not be used as taxis or rented for short-term hire. TfL has separate rules for wheelchair-accessible vehicles and minibuses. So, make sure to check the full list before applying.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Much Can You Get Through the Scrappage Scheme?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount depends on your vehicle and situation. For a car, you can get up to \u00a32,000. For motorcycles, the grant is up to \u00a31,000. Vans and minibuses can qualify for more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small businesses and charities can get up to \u00a37,000 per van. For wheelchair-accessible vehicles, the grant may be even higher. You can also choose a mix of cash and travel credit. This can include an annual bus and tram pass instead of the full cash amount.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here is the list of grants:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Vehicle Type \/ Applicant<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Scrap Grant<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Retrofit Grant<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Other Options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Car (Private Owner)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a32,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travelcard alternative available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Motorcycle \/ Moped (Private Owner)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a31,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (WAV)<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a310,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a36,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May combine with travel support<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Small Business \/ Sole Trader &#8211; Van<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a37,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a36,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Combine with EV switch<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Charity &#8211; Minibus<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a39,500<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a36,000<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EV upgrade option available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Travel Credit Option<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varies<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">N\/A<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adult bus\/tram pass offered with lower grant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Apply for the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, check if your vehicle is eligible using <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/tfl.gov.uk\/modes\/driving\/check-your-vehicle\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">TfL\u2019s online tool<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This quick step confirms whether you can apply. Next, gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of ownership, ID, and vehicle registration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Then, visit the official Transport for London website. Look for the scrappage scheme application section. Read the instructions carefully to avoid mistakes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After that, complete the online application form with accurate details about you and your vehicle. Upload clear copies of your supporting documents. Common file types like JPG, PNG, or PDF are accepted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, submit your application and wait for TfL to review it. You\u2019ll get a notification by email or through your TfL account. If approved, TfL will send you instructions on how to proceed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there Other Options like Retrofitting, Vehicle Donation, and Exemptions?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrapping your vehicle isn\u2019t your only choice. There are other ways to meet ULEZ rules or help others.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Retrofitting Your Vehicle<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retrofitting means upgrading parts like exhausts to meet ULEZ standards. This is common for vans, minibuses, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. TfL offers grants, up to \u00a36,000 for some vehicles, to help cover costs. Only approved retrofit kits count, and you\u2019ll need certification once the work is complete. After that, your vehicle is ULEZ-compliant and free from daily charges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Vehicle Donation<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can donate your vehicle instead of scrapping it. This option supports international aid, including humanitarian work in Ukraine. The grant amount matches scrappage payments. The process is similar, using TfL-approved donation services.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Exemptions and Grace Periods<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some vehicles and drivers get exemptions or temporary grace periods. Disabled drivers, Blue Badge holders, and historic vehicles (over 40 years old) often qualify. Specialist vehicles, military, and some NHS transport also get exemptions. Rules can change, so check TfL\u2019s website for the latest details.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can people outside London apply for the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, the ULEZ scrappage scheme is only available to London residents. Also, for those businesses and charities within the 32 London boroughs and the City of London. This is because the scheme aims to reduce pollution specifically within the Ultra Low Emission Zone. If you live outside London, you won\u2019t be eligible to apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What are the benefits of using the scrappage scheme?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The main benefit is financial help to replace a polluting vehicle with a cleaner one or alternative transport options. This saves you from paying daily ULEZ charges, which can add up quickly. You\u2019re also helping improve London\u2019s air quality. Additionally, the scheme offers flexibility through grants for retrofitting or travel credits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if I\u2019m rejected or change my mind after approval?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your application is rejected, TfL will inform you of the reasons and advise on what to do next. You cannot reapply with the same vehicle if it doesn\u2019t meet the criteria. If you change your mind after approval but before scrapping or donating, you must notify TfL immediately. The grant cannot be paid if you don\u2019t follow the scheme\u2019s rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I keep the vehicle after receiving the grant?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, you must scrap or donate the vehicle after receiving the grant. Keeping it means you\u2019ll face ULEZ charges, and TfL may take action to recover the grant. The scheme is designed to remove older, polluting vehicles from London\u2019s roads permanently.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the scheme still open in 2026?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, the official ULEZ scrappage scheme had a deadline on 8 September 2024. All eligible payments were processed by July 2025. While the ULEZ rules still apply, you can no longer apply for scrappage grants in 2026. Check TfL\u2019s website for current support options and updates.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Thoughts: ULEZ Scrappage Scheme<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scrapping your car through the ULEZ scheme was a smart move. But even now, there are still options to stay compliant and avoid daily charges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t ignore the rules. Check your vehicle, explore exemptions, or retrofit if needed. And always go through official TfL channels to stay protected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For more advice on ULEZ, vehicle rules, and smart car choices, explore the rest of our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">blog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Sell Your Damaged Car Today\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              Enter your faulty car&#8217;s registration number\u00a0and mileage to find out how much it is worth. Get multiple instant offers from specialist damaged car buyers.\u00a0Enjoy free collection and fast payment!\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">Sell your car!<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you wondering what the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme is and if you could\u2019ve claimed money for your old car? The short answer is yes if you qualify. You could have received up to \u00a310,000 for scrapping or donating a non-compliant vehicle. But not everyone was eligible. Daily ULEZ charges still apply, and failing to comply [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":9336,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[324,1],"tags":[866,342,1567,1568,1570,1569],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9335"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9335"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9335\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11495,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9335\/revisions\/11495"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9336"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}