The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will operate alongside and in the same area as the current congestion charge and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Motorists who drive into the zone in a car, van or motorbike that does not meet the new emission standard (Euro 4 for petrol vehicles and Euro 6 for diesel vehicles) will have to pay a daily fee of £12.50. The charge for lorries, buses and coaches is £100 a day.

Drivers who fail to pay the charge could receive a penalty of between £160 and £1,000 depending on their vehicle type.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “This is a landmark day for our city. Our toxic air is an invisible killer responsible for one of the biggest national health emergencies of our generation. I simply refuse to be yet another politician who ignores it.

“The ULEZ is the centrepiece of our plans to clean up London’s air – the boldest plans of any city on the planet, and the eyes of the world are on us.”

Click here to find out if your vehicle meets the minimum emission standards.

All motorists driving into central London between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday, have to pay the Congestion Charge, which is £11.50 a day.