A driver from Bromley has been forced to pay a staggering £16,000 in fines after repeatedly failing to pay charges for driving within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
The driver amassed 45 court-issued warrants against them for unpaid ULEZ fines, but despite numerous attempts by bailiffs, they remained untraceable for months. In July, Transport for London (TfL) enforcement agents managed to locate the individual at a home in Croydon. The driver initially claimed they no longer owned the vehicle in question, but investigations revealed the fines were issued before the vehicle was sold. As a result, the driver was required to settle the full amount owed.
This case is one of many in which TfL has stepped up its enforcement activities to tackle persistent ULEZ fine evaders. TfL enforcement agents have recouped more than £25 million in unpaid fines since the expansion of the ULEZ across London last August. Over the last year, more than 1,400 vehicles have been seized from non-compliant drivers, with some cars sold, bringing in over £700,000.
TfL has announced it is tripling the number of staff in its investigations team to crack down on repeat offenders. Alex Williams, TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, emphasised that the ULEZ is designed to improve air quality in London by encouraging the removal of polluting vehicles. He urged drivers not to ignore penalty charge notices (PCNs) and to seek assistance if they face financial difficulties.
“The aim of the ULEZ is to clean up London’s air and remove old polluting cars from the road so no drivers need to pay, and no fines occur,” Williams said. There is only a small minority of drivers who are eligible for the charge, and even fewer who are refusing to pay – but we encourage anyone experiencing financial difficulties not to ignore PCNs and to engage with our staff, who will work with you towards a resolution, including setting up debt payment plans.”
The latest data from TfL shows that 96% of vehicles seen driving within the ULEZ are now compliant with the emissions standards.
