A Transport for London (TfL) mobile camera van, responsible for enforcing the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) regulations, found itself on the wrong side of the law when it was caught parked illegally on a pavement in South London. The incident, spotted by Kingston Independent councillor James Giles, highlights the importance of adhering to parking rules, even for vehicles tasked with upholding traffic and emission regulations.
Councillor Giles raised the issue after witnessing the van parked inappropriately on Cambridge Road in Norbiton on October 17. A video of the van’s illegal parking was posted on social media. Upon observing the violation, Giles promptly reported it to parking enforcement authorities. In response, a parking enforcement officer swiftly arrived at the scene and issued the TfL van with a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
Giles expressed his concern, stating that it was “entirely inappropriate and unacceptable for enforcement vans to be illegally parking on Kingston’s streets.” He hoped that this incident would serve as a reminder to TfL to adhere to parking regulations. TfL has assured that the fine would be paid by its contractor.
In an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Councillor Giles emphasized that vehicles operating on behalf of TfL should possess a clear understanding of where legal parking is permitted. He stressed that the location where the van had parked on the pavement posed a risk to pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren who use the route.
The expansion of the ULEZ, covering all London boroughs, took effect on August 29, 2023, encompassing Kingston as well. Under the ULEZ rules, motorists must pay a daily charge of £12.50 if their vehicles do not meet specific emissions standards. This extension marked a significant step in Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s efforts to improve air quality and reduce emissions across the city.
As TfL aims to ensure compliance with ULEZ regulations, this incident underscores the importance of adhering to parking and traffic rules, even for enforcement vehicles, to maintain safety and uphold the principles of fair and responsible governance.
