According to the current BUSES magazine, only vehicles that have a current 'historic' vehicle tax class will be exempt from the proposed ULEZ zone starting from 8th April 2019 (ie not commercially operated ones). This probably explains why the 15H RM's refurbishment programme has been put on hold after only treating 4 vehicles and possibly why Euro 6 RM 1005 has been recently trialled on the route ?

My bus number (if any): RML2747

According to the Tfl website all 'historic tax' vehicles will be automatically exempt - I have just checked several known historic tax vehicles into the Tfl VRM checker and none of them come up as exempt ?

My bus number (if any): RML2747

As detailed in the latest RMOOA Routemaster Magazine, there have been problems with TfLs website. It is hoped that it will be fixed in the new year.


Yes, all vehicles taxed as 'Historic' are exempt.

My bus number (if any): RM1368

Unless commercially operated RM's are re engined to Euro 6 or the ULEZ charge is incorporated into the running costs - it looks like the end for most of the current Central London Routemaster operations and hires ?

My bus number (if any): RML2747

Not yet - I suggest you read the latest ULEZ Consultation for the next proposals.

The link is shown in the latest Routemaster Magazine.

My bus number (if any): RM1368

Yes as you indicate the current consultation states "Historic vehicles and vehicles registered prior to 1973

All vehicles that have a 'historic' vehicle tax class or are registered prior to 1 January 1973 will be exempt from the ULEZ.

These vehicles were built before emissions standards came into force and are exempted because of their unsuitability for engine conversion or replacement."

Let's hope it does indeed include commercially operated Routemasters as well as those taxed as historic in the exemption - including the modified ones !

My bus number (if any): RML2747

This is also linked to the rolling 'Historic' taxation classification, as long as the Chancellor keeps it rolling, and is already part of the current regulations that are in force.

Commercially operated ones, modified or not, are pre-1973 so are therefore included.

My bus number (if any): RM1368