UKNIP247 
A staggering £218 million is owed in unpaid Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fines in London, according to official figures.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that more than 1.3 million penalty charge notices (PCNs) were issued from September 2023 to April 2024. However, Transport for London (TfL) admitted that over 70% of the fines have remained unpaid.
Massive Unpaid ULEZ Fines
The FOI data showed that while £28.5 million has been paid in fines, a whopping £218.3 million remains outstanding.
The ULEZ was expanded in August 2023, covering all 32 London boroughs. Motorists driving non-compliant vehicles within this zone are charged £12.50 daily. From September 26, 2023, to April 26, 2024, TfL issued 1,348,938 PCNs, each initially set at £180 but reduced to £90 if paid within a fortnight.
Unpaid Fines and Repeat Offenders
Out of these, drivers paid 282,448 PCNs, amounting to £28,539,158. However, 948,590 PCNs, totaling £218,316,553, remain unpaid. Additionally, one driver received over 200 fines for a single non-compliant vehicle and has yet to pay any of the £47,682 they owe.
Vandalism and Enforcement Challenges
TfL also highlighted challenges in enforcing the ULEZ due to vandalism. ‘Blade runners,’ individuals targeting ULEZ cameras, have dismantled many in the outer boroughs using power tools. TfL declined to provide figures on repair costs due to intentional damage.
Official Response
A TfL spokesperson commented on the ULEZ fines, emphasizing the scheme’s purpose: “Data shows that more than 95% of vehicles seen in the ULEZ on an average day are ULEZ compliant. The ULEZ is not about making money. It will lead to cleaner air while generating ever smaller net revenues, as has been the case with the previous expansion to inner London where people switched to greener vehicles.”
They added: “If a customer receives a penalty charge notice (PCN) they can pay the penalty at a 50% discount within 14 days, or have up to 28 days to pay the penalty in full, or challenge the PCN by making a representation. Representations can be made on one of six grounds, and TfL also considers mitigating circumstances and uses its discretion in reaching a decision, including cancelling the fine. Around 10% of ULEZ PCNs issued after its London-wide expansion have been cancelled.”
Impact and Recommendations
The ULEZ aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality in London. Despite the high number of unpaid fines, TfL maintains that the scheme is successful, with most vehicles now compliant.
The outstanding fines highlight the challenges TfL faces in enforcing the ULEZ and ensuring compliance among motorists.
