ULEZ Expansion: Drivers who breach rules could avoid fines

Transport for London (TfL) said they would at first warn drivers, telling the PA news agency it can use its “discretion” to issue warning letters instead of penalty charge notices (PCNs).

It comes as the AA shared that it's “essential” that drivers are not fined “until the system beds in” across the new ULEZ areas.

The ULEZ expansion will see all of Greater London covered from August 29, seeing non-complaint cars pay a daily charge of £12.50. 

If drivers do not pay the charge, they face a PCN of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Our ULEZ scrappage scheme has been massively expanded so that every London resident affected by ULEZ can apply from today 👇🏾

👨🏼‍💼 Every London resident can apply for a grant of up to £2,000 to scrap their non-compliant car

🧑🏾‍🔧 Small businesses and sole traders will be able to…

— TfL (@TfL) August 21, 2023

TfL could warn ULEZ breaching drivers instead of fines

TfL has already sent out letters about the expansion to the owners of non-compliant vehicles previously detected by cameras in the new ULEZ area.

However, some affected motorists may drive in the zone without knowing they are required to pay a fee.

As there is fear that the refusal by some neighbouring counties to allow TfL to put up signage on roads approaching the new ULEZ area could also lead to people entering it by mistake.

In a statement, TfL said: "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.”

The ULEZ is expanding across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023

🚚 Cars, motorcycles, vans and specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes) need to meet the ULEZ emissions standards to drive within the zone.

🚙 9 out of… pic.twitter.com/yhnW4ytKRs

— TfL (@TfL) August 17, 2023

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

“We know that there is a widespread lack of signage outside the current zone in areas such as Hertfordshire, so fining drivers who don’t even know they are in the zone would backfire.

“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.

“If TfL do not send out warnings they will be deluged with complaints from drivers.

“If they turn down appeals to have fines cancelled, huge numbers will take their complaints to the traffic penalties tribunal.”