Drivers handed ULEZ tickets might get away without fines – but not for long

22 August 2023 , 12:57

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The ULEZ expansion is set to come into force from next week (Image: PA Wire)

Drivers who violate the rules of London's soon-to-be expanded ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) may initially receive warnings instead of fines.

Transport for London (TfL) revealed that it has the "discretion" to issue warning letters in place of penalty charge notices (PCNs). The AA said it is "essential" that drivers are not fined "until the system beds in" across the new ULEZ areas.

Starting from August 29, the ULEZ scheme will extend its reach from the North and South Circular roads to encompass the entirety of Greater London. Drivers operating vehicles that fail to meet minimum emissions standards within this zone will be required to pay a daily fee of £12.50 within three days. Non-compliance can result in a hefty fine of £180, which can be halved to £90 if paid within a fortnight.

TfL has sent letters about the expansion to owners of non-compliant vehicles previously spotted by cameras in the new ULEZ area. However, there are concerns that some motorists may unknowingly drive into the zone without realising they need to pay a fee.

There are fears that the refusal by some neighbouring counties to allow TfL to put up signage on roads approaching the new ULEZ area could cause unsuspecting drivers to enter it by mistake.

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Map shows the size of the latest ULEZ expansion (TfL)

In a statement, TfL clarified: "TfL reserves the right to use discretion to issue a warning notice instead of a penalty charge notice.

"However, we would advise anyone driving a non-compliant vehicle in the zone to pay the charge to avoid the risk of being fined."

There are several convenient ways to pay the ULEZ charge, including online transactions, phone payments, mobile apps, or by subscribing to an automatic payment system.

AA president Edmund King voiced his concerns, stating: "It is essential that TfL sends out warning letters to drivers not complying with the ULEZ until the system beds in."

King highlighted the issue of inadequate signage outside the current zone in areas such as Hertfordshire, cautioning that penalising unsuspecting drivers could backfire. He said, "Drivers need fair warning of when they are about to enter the ULEZ or when they are on a road that will take them into the zone if they stay on it."

He warned of a potential backlash if TfL fails to send out warnings, predicting a flood of complaints from disgruntled drivers. He added, "If they turn down appeals to have fines cancelled, huge numbers will take their complaints to the traffic penalties tribunal."

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PA Transport Correspondent