Removals in London: charges, permits and parking by borough

Transport for London's Ultra Low Emission Zone operates across all London boroughs, 24 hours a day and every day of the year except Christmas Day. Vans and specialist vehicles up to and including 3.5 tonnes that do not meet the ULEZ emission standards pay a daily charge. For a removal that means the van hired for a DIY move, a man-and-van service and the smaller vans of a removal firm are all affected if they are older and non-compliant.

Established removal companies generally run compliant vehicles, but ask. If you are hiring a van yourself for part of the move, check its registration on TfL's vehicle checker before you collect it, and remember that a move spread over two days means two charging days.

Source: tfl.gov.uk

Moving into or out of central London adds the Congestion Charge, which TfL applies on weekdays and also on weekend and bank holiday afternoons. It is separate from ULEZ, so a non-compliant van can pay both on the same day. Ask whether the removal quote includes the charge or passes it on, and whether the company pays it or expects you to.

Full-size removal lorries are often over 12 tonnes gross vehicle weight. TfL requires every lorry over 12 tonnes entering or operating in Greater London to hold a valid HGV safety permit under the Direct Vision Standard, at all times. Firms based outside London occasionally overlook this on a one-off job. A permit is the operator's responsibility, but a lorry turned away or fined on the day is your problem too, so it is fair to ask.

Heavier vehicles also fall under London's Low Emission Zone for lorries. Again, a regular London operator will know; a cheap quote from a firm that rarely comes into London may not have priced it.

Source: tfl.gov.uk

Each of London's 32 boroughs and the City of London runs its own parking controls, with its own process for suspending bays or granting dispensations for a removal vehicle. Notice periods, fees and application forms differ, and in controlled parking zones a van without a suspension can be ticketed within minutes. If you are moving between two boroughs, you may need to deal with both.

Many London removal firms apply for suspensions routinely. Tell them the exact addresses and whether each end has a driveway, a loading bay, a red route outside or a single yellow line, because the answer changes what can be arranged. Red routes are managed by TfL, not the borough, and have their own loading rules.

• ULEZ and Congestion Charge: included, passed on or not applicable
• HGV safety permit for any lorry over 12 tonnes
• who applies for parking suspensions at each address, and the lead time
• stairs, lifts and walking distance from the van at each property
• access restrictions such as mansion block lift bookings or concierge hours

Source: tfl.gov.uk · tfl.gov.uk

A large share of London moves involve flats. Managed buildings often require a booked lift slot, protection for common areas, a certificate of insurance from the removal company and a time window agreed with the managing agent. Victorian conversions have steep, narrow stairs where large sofas and wardrobes may have to come apart or go through a window. Mention the floor, the lift and the stair width in your request; a company that has not asked about them has not priced them.

Describe both addresses, the size of the move and the date. We offer the request, without your name or contact details, to removal companies covering London, and exactly one can buy it. Before that company sees your details, we email you its name, address and phone number. The service is free for you, and you are not obliged to accept the quote.