According to Transport for London (TfL), nearly all penalty charge notices (PCNs) for failure to pay Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) fees are issued to habitual offenders.
Statistics reveal that 94% of the PCNs are directed at motorists who have over four unpaid notices. In the first half of 2025, TfL reports that it has successfully recovered upwards of £16.5 million in outstanding debts.
Since the Ulez expanded to encompass the entirety of London in 2023, owners of older, more polluting vehicles are required to pay a £12.50 daily fee. Should this fee remain unpaid, a PCN of £180 is issued, which can be reduced to £90 if settled within 14 days.
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, emphasized, “We want to stress that if you receive a penalty charge for operating within the zone, it is crucial not to ignore it.”
Originally initiated to cover the Congestion Zone, Ulez was broadened in 2021 to include the North and South Circular roads, and again expanded in 2023 to cover all areas of London.
Data from the BBC in July indicated that over 400,000 drivers in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex have faced penalties since the latest expansion.
Drivers in London have collectively paid more than £70 million in PCNs linked to Ulez over six years, with Croydon residents being the most frequent violators, as per official records.
Moreover, TfL reported seizing over 530 vehicles from January to June, generating approximately £285,000 from auctions of these vehicles.
The organization stated that an “intelligence-led approach” has enabled staff to accurately locate evaders at different addresses and enhance data-sharing efforts with national agencies, including the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency.
Mr. Williams added, “The majority of drivers whose vehicles incur the charge are responsible and fulfill their obligations. It is only a small percentage of persistent evaders who neglect to pay.
“Your unpaid penalty may escalate to enforcement agents tasked with recovering the owed amount, which could lead to the confiscation of your vehicle and other personal property.
“If you’re contemplating ignoring it due to financial strain, we urge you to connect with our staff, who can assess your situation and offer assistance.”
