Over 1,400 Vehicles Confiscated for Unpaid Penalties in ULEZ Enforcement Action

October 17, 2024 TruthUSA

In the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), vehicles that do not meet specific emissions standards and are driven within the zone must pay a daily charge of £12.50 or face a penalty of £180.

Over the past year, Transport for London (TfL) has seized more than 1,400 vehicles for ULEZ penalties as part of its increased enforcement efforts.

According to TfL’s latest data, a total of 1,429 cars were confiscated from their owners by the end of July, with 761 vehicles belonging to persistent non-payers being auctioned for over £700,000.

The ULEZ was expanded London-wide on August 29 last year to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the capital.

Drivers whose vehicles do not comply with ULEZ emissions standards and are not exempt must pay a daily charge of £12.50 to enter the zone. Failure to pay results in a penalty charge notice (PCN) of £180 for all vehicle types, including cars, vans, mopeds, ambulances, and minibuses.

If the fine is paid within 14 days, the amount is reduced to £90.

TfL noted that while the majority of vehicles in the ULEZ are compliant, there are some drivers who refuse to pay their PCNs. This leads to a significant amount of outstanding debt that TfL aims to use for improving the transport network.

Debt Recovery

According to TfL, the number of investigators in its team has tripled to target PCN evaders.

TfL agents have the authority to obtain a court-issued warrant to recover debt using bailiffs.

In a recent incident, enforcement agents tracked down a driver with 45 warrants to a new address. The investigation revealed that the driver had received PCNs before selling the vehicle and ultimately settled a bill of nearly £16,000.

Another driver paid over £7,800 after receiving 21 warrants against their vehicle and multiple visits by TfL agents.

Enforcement agents also have the power to seize the debtor’s assets to cover outstanding debt.

“In one instance, a vehicle was seized after ignoring ten warrants. The driver had received a total of 43 letters and been visited by bailiffs five times previously,” according to the TfL report.

Controversial Policy

Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, cautioned drivers against disregarding ULEZ penalty charges.

“We want to make it clear to vehicle owners that ignoring a penalty charge in the zone is not advisable. Failure to pay will result in enforcement agents pursuing fines owed, and there is a risk of vehicle and property being seized.

“The goal of the ULEZ is to improve London’s air quality by removing old polluting cars from the streets, so ideally, no drivers should have to pay penalties. While only a small number of drivers are eligible for the charge, and even fewer refuse to pay, we advise anyone facing financial challenges not to ignore PCNs and to work with us to find a resolution, including setting up debt payment plans,” Williams stated on Wednesday.

ULEZ penalty charges add to the financial burden on London households and businesses, especially amidst the cost-of-living crisis and high inflation.

Critics and policymakers have pushed back against the ULEZ expansion, describing it as a “war on drivers.” This resistance has led to incidents of damaging ULEZ infrastructure and organized protests in various locations.

The Mayor of London’s office has defended the ULEZ expansion, emphasizing its role in combating air pollution and safeguarding public health. They have also highlighted a scrappage scheme supported by a £160 million fund to aid Londoners in transitioning to compliant vehicles.

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