Ulez fines could skyrocket in October and November with drivers warned of upcoming penalties

Initially, warning notices were issued to non-compliant vehicle owners from August 29 to September 25 2023.

But Transport for London began full enforcements of penalties on September 26, resulting in a substantial jump in fines issued monthly.

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In July 2023, before the expansion, 123,820 PCNs were issued, but this figure dropped to 13,470 in September during the warning period.

However, October 2023 saw a dramatic increase to 211,740 PCNs, with subsequent months maintaining similarly high levels, with warnings this trend could happen again.

The monthly PCN figures revealed by the FOI found a consistent pattern of high enforcement levels since the expansion with November 2023 seeing the highest number of PCNs issued at 230,500.

December 2023 and January 2024 recorded 211,184 and 187,320 PCNs respectively with the trend continuing into 2024.

February saw drivers slapped with 186,519 PCNs, March 194,812, and April 188,709. May and June 2024 maintained similar levels with 188,749 and 180,106 PCNs issued.

This marks a stark contrast to pre-expansion figures, which ranged from 107,737 to 173,120 penalties per month between July 2022 and July 2023.

The data also suggests that despite initial warnings, a significant number of non-compliant vehicles continued to enter the expanded Ulez, resulting in sustained high levels of PCNs being issued.

The revenue raised from Ulez fines has also been substantial with TfL reporting a net PCN income of £140.2million for the period from June 26 2022 to July 20 2024.

However, the transport authority explained that PCNs can be paid in a different month to when they were issued, particularly if appealed.

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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The Ultra Low Emission Zone was first launched in 2019 to cover central London through the Congestion Charge zone. During this time, TfL said it issued warning notices rather than PCNs to drivers.

The zone was expanded in August last year to cover Greater London by Mayor Sadiq Khan.