Transport for London (TfL) has recovered £25.6 million in unpaid penalty charge notices (PCNs) over the past year, targeting drivers who fail to comply with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) regulations. Over 1,400 vehicles were seized, and more than £700,000 was recouped through the sale of vehicles from persistent non-payers.
TfL has tripled the size of its investigations team to increase enforcement, which includes powers to seize vehicles and pursue County Court Judgements against those who refuse to pay. Despite this, TfL reports that the vast majority of vehicles in the ULEZ are now compliant with emissions standards.
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: “The most recent data shows that on average, over 96 per cent of vehicles seen driving in the ULEZ are compliant.
“We want to send a clear message to vehicle owners that if you receive a penalty charge for driving in the zone, you should not ignore it. Your penalty will progress to enforcement agents to recover the fines that you owe, and there is a risk that your vehicle and other items of property will be removed.”
The ULEZ scheme, designed to reduce air pollution in London, has expanded across the capital and aims to encourage drivers to upgrade to cleaner vehicles. TfL encourages those who have received penalties to engage with the process, offering support such as payment plans to help manage the fines.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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