ULEZ loophole: how to claim back tax on £12.50 daily charge – are you eligible
A ULEZ loophole means self-employed workers can claim back tax on the £12.50 daily charge.
Sadiq Khan's Ultra Low Emission Zone expanded across all of the capital's boroughs on Tuesday.
The policy, which charges drivers a fee to drive in if their vehicle doesn't meet emissions standards, has seen a strong backlash since it was introduced.
Labour's London Mayor said it was in tradespeoples' interests to scrap their non-compliant vehicles because of the health risks.
But self-employed tradesmen may be able to claim it as a business expense when they submit their annual tax return, according to the .
HMRC confirmed self-employed drivers can claim tax relief on their travel expenses, including the ULEZ.
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A HMRC statement read: "Self Assessment customers are entitled to tax relief on travel expenses, including low emission zone charges if they have been incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the trade.
"When a self-employed individual claims an allowable expense, the amount is deducted fully from their taxable profits."
A recent report estimated that 30,000 non-compliant vans use the ULEZ area each day.
Londoners are split over the move, with 47 per cent in favour and 42 per cent against, according to a YouGov poll for ITV News.
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In inner London, where the charge already applied, the expansion this week was backed by 62 per cent, with 26 per cent against.
In outer London 51 per cent opposed the move, with 38 per cent in favour.
It comes after Hampton Court Palace, which draws around one million visitors each year, revealed a ULEZ loophole as part of guidance to punters.
In a tweet by Historic Royal Palaces who run the venue, they warned: "Hampton Court Palace and its car park are within ULEZ.
"However if you are driving from outside of London into our car park and back out again you will not be seen by the enforcement camera an will not be charged - provided you don't re-enter the zone."