The ULEZ scrappage scheme has extended, allowing non-compliant vehicles to be donated to Ukraine.

This initiative, launched on Friday, March 15, allows applicants to support Ukrainian humanitarian and medical needs by donating their non-ULEZ compliant vehicles.

In return, they will receive the same level of grant payment usually given to those who scrap their vehicles.

The new scheme is open to all London residents, small businesses, and charities who own vehicles that do not comply with ULEZ emissions standards.

Most vehicles eligible for the scrappage scheme are needed in Ukraine.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I am delighted to launch the expanded ULEZ scrappage scheme today, enabling people to donate their non ULEZ-compliant vehicles to Ukraine where they can make a real difference."

UK registered charity British-Ukrainian Aid (BUA) has been tasked with the job of assessing the vehicles to be donated based on need and suitability.

Dr Rainer-Elk Anders, a trustee of BUA, said: "Thank you to Londoners for being a beacon of hope in times of crisis.

"Each donated vehicle will make a tremendous difference between life and death for those in need of humanitarian or medical aid in Ukraine.

"We are ready for your vehicles."

This innovative scheme was inspired by the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, who suggested the idea to London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, confirmed in January that the Government does not consider there to be any legal barrier to allowing non-compliant vehicles to be donated to Ukraine.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has also declared it will donate 50 decommissioned ambulances to Ukraine.

READ MORE: Watchdog rules ULEZ ads misleading amid pollution claims

These are pledged even though current agreements with TfL ensure the LAS is not charged to drive ambulances in the ULEZ.

Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, said: "We are very pleased that from today applicants to the ULEZ scrappage scheme are now able to receive a scrappage grant while having the option to donate their non-compliant vehicle to Ukraine."

Even as the scheme rolls out, a handful of vehicle owners have already contacted BUA and shown interest in donating their vehicles.

The donated vehicles will be permanently removed from the UK and evidence of this removal will be provided by BUA.

Anyone interested is now able to apply on TfL’s website.