Petrol and diesel drivers fork out £322million to fund Sadiq Khan’s expanded Ulez scheme

Data obtained from a Freedom of Information request to Transport for London revealed a sharp rise in fines following the expansion.

Since August last year, TfL has handed out 1.8 million fines to drivers with 180,106 penalties issued in June, the latest data on record.

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In August 2023 when the expansion rolled out, 102,303 PCNs were issued, but this figure dropped to just 13,470 in September, as warning notices were issued instead of fines to allow for adjustment.

However, from October 2023, the number of PCNs surged dramatically to 211,740 fines rising further to 230,500 in November.

Drivers of non-compliant vehicles face a daily charge of £12.50 when entering the zone, but if this is ignored, the fine rapidly increases to £180 although this can be halved to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Between July 2022 and June 2024, over 3.5 million PCNs were issued, according to the FOI. The net income from these fines totalled £140.2million, though this figure is expected to increase as more penalties are paid overtime.

Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, said: "The expansion of the Ulezto cover Greater London has meant more drivers have incurred fines as they head in and out of the city.

"Our research reveals three in five (60 per cent) drivers are put off from buying an EV because of how expensive they are.

"While investing in an electric car will help drivers to avoid being left out of pocket, there are many non-electric cars that will remain eligible for congestion charge exemption."

He also advised drivers to explore the used car market to keep costs down when considering a vehicle change.

TfL stated: "PCNs can be paid in a different month to when they were issued, particularly if the PCN is appealed.

"When a representation is received and considered, a request for further evidence may be made and the PCN will remain frozen while the information requested is provided. Should the representation be accepted the PCN is cancelled.

"If it is rejected the motorist has a further right of appeal to an Independent Adjudicator at London Tribunals.

"This process can take up to three months, meaning it can be some time before an accurate figure of PCNs paid can be recorded."

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To be Ulez-compliant petrol cars must meet Euro 4 emissions targets while diesel cars must adhere to Euro 6 emissions.

Petrol cars that meet the standards are generally those first registered as new with the DVLA after 2005, although cars that meet the standards have been available since 2001.

As for diesel cars, they meet the standards if first registered with the DVLA as new after September 2015. Electric cars and many hybrid models are exempt from the fines.