Since the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was announced in November 2022, carwow has seen a 101% increase in the sale of used cars via its Sell My Car service.
It expects this to continue growing significantly as the 29 August deadline approaches.
But as well as the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) comes into effect 1st June, bringing with it an outright ban on non-compliant cars.
Clean Air Zones have also appeared in Birmingham, Bristol and Oxford.
More look set to come, with Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Dundee will all bring in bans for drivers from May/June 2024.
James Pollard, director of Sell My Car at carwow, said, “Clean Air Zone expansion can unlock fresh opportunities for retailers across the UK. We’re seeing that non-compliant cars are still selling successfully on carwow’s platform as retailers in regions that are not affected by ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) or Clean Air Zones, such as in the North or West of the UK, are well aware that there is still high demand for these vehicles from drivers seeking affordable and fuel-efficient used cars.
“For those retailers based in areas with schemes in place, or on the way, our data shows that the majority of car sellers are looking to replace their vehicle, so we expect to see a corresponding bump in sales of compliant cars or low-and no-emission models at the same time.”
According to carwow, public support for such schemes is high, with more than half (54%) of those surveyed agreeing that the ULEZ expansion and other new Clean Air Zones will help build a better world for future generations.