International Removals from London
The emission zones, the Congestion Charge and the lorry rules in one place
A few short questions. Nothing is sent until you check and confirm.
Which London charges can reach a removal vehicle?
Up to three: the ultra low emission zone, the low emission zone and, in the centre, the Congestion Charge. Transport for London says the first covers every London borough and stops short of the M25. It gives its hours as “ULEZ: Operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December)”, so no time of day avoids it.
A vehicle that does not meet the standard pays; TfL says “you need to pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive within the zone”. A van up to 3.5 tonnes can be charged. The daily charge stops at that weight: TfL lists lorries and heavy vans above it, and buses and coaches above 5 tonnes, as exempt. Those heavier lorries can face the other zone: “The LEZ covers most of Greater London and is in operation 24 hours a day, every day of the year.”
In the centre the Congestion Charge applies as well. TfL gives it as “The Congestion Charge is an £18 daily charge (if paid on the day or in advance) or £21 (if paid by midnight of the third day after travel).” Its hours are “Congestion Charge (CC): 07:00-18:00 Monday-Friday, 12:00-18:00 Saturday-Sunday and bank holidays.” Ask the removal firm for the vehicle registrations early, and check the vehicle against the TfL checker before the day. Check TfL's own pages for the current charges.
What do large removal lorries need to enter Greater London?
Two things apply by weight. Under the Direct Vision Standard, TfL says it “requires all lorries over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight to be granted a permit to enter or operate in Greater London.” A container lorry or large removal truck is over that line; an ordinary 7.5 tonne van is not.
The London Lorry Control Scheme covers noise at night and at weekends. London Councils says it “controls the movement of heavy goods vehicles (HGV) over 18 tonnes maximum gross weight.” and “It operates at night and at weekends on specific roads in London helping to minimise noise pollution.” It adds that no permission is needed if the lorry weighs less than 18 tonnes or can complete the trip using only the Excluded Route Network. Ask the firm whether its lorry is over 18 tonnes and which roads it will use, and read the scheme's current hours on its page.
Where do parking and red-route questions go?
To the council for a borough street, and to TfL for a red route. Each borough sets its own notice and price for a bay, which is why the London parking lookup lists them and explains who owns a red route. For the days when stadiums and big events close roads, see London event days and removals.
Ports, airports and where the load goes next
Containers for a sea shipment can leave through London Gateway, whose operator says “only 28 miles from London”. Its page adds that its vehicle booking system “allows registered haulers to schedule and manage appointments for collecting or delivering containers”, so a firm collecting or delivering a container books a slot rather than turning up. Air freight for a small shipment is covered with Heathrow on the Uxbridge page.
Your own borough sets the bay rules for the collection. The London guide links each borough page, and the removals costs guide explains what a quote should include.
Questions about moving abroad from London
Does the ULEZ charge apply to a removal van?
A van of up to 3.5 tonnes is charged if it falls short of the standard.
TfL excludes heavier lorries from the ULEZ charge, though the low emission zone can reach them.
Can I avoid the zone by moving at night?
No.
TfL gives the ULEZ and the low emission zone as running 24 hours a day, every day, with the ULEZ stopping only on Christmas Day.
Is the M25 the edge of the ULEZ?
No.
TfL says the zone covers every borough, and the M25 is not part of it.
Does a big removal lorry need a permit?
TfL says all lorries over 12 tonnes need a Direct Vision Standard permit to enter or operate in Greater London.
What is the London Lorry Control Scheme?
A scheme for heavy goods vehicles over 18 tonnes that operates at night and at weekends on specific roads.
A lorry under 18 tonnes, or one using only the excluded route network, needs no permission.
Tell us about your London move
Give us your London postcode, the month you plan to leave, your destination and how big the load is.
About International Removals Companies
International Removals Companies is an enquiry and introduction service run by DATACONTEXT (UK) LTD, in partnership with AGM Group. We don't move goods ourselves: the removal company quotes for your move and carries it out, so check its credentials and terms before you book. Our service is free. Discuss the quotation and booking terms directly with the removal company.
- Email[email protected]
- In partnership withAGM Group (agm.group)