This request follows on from information returned in FOI request FOI-2696-1920/GH. I would like to request the following information: 1) Please confirm that the system that enforces both the Congestion Charging Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone can automatically determine a detected vehicle to be of fuel type “electric” 2) Please confirm that a pure Battery Electric Vehicle is exempt from the Ultra Low Emission Zone, and that this exemption is applied automatically. 3) As FOI-2696-1920/GH response states that both the Congestion Charing Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone use the same enforcement system and DVLA data, why does a pure Battery Electric Vehicle meets the exemption requirement for the Ultra Low Emission Zone automatically but requires “registration” for the Congestion Charging Zone "discount"? 4) Please detail the activities that are conducted in order to “register” a pure Battery Electric Vehicle as being eligible for the Congestion Charge Zone “Cleaner Vehicle Discount” 5) Please detail the technical reasons why “registration” of a pure Battery Electric Vehicle for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount is required to be renewed annually.

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Our ref: FOI-0127-2021/GH

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 April 2020 asking for information about Congestion Charging Zone / Ultra Low Emission Zone and pure Battery Electric Vehicles.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.

1. Please confirm that the system that enforces both the Congestion Charging Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone can automatically determine a detected vehicle to be of fuel type “electric”

We do not receive details of a vehicle’s fuel type during the ULEZ or Congestion Charging enforcement process. We do, however, utilise fuel type to identify a vehicles compliance with the ULEZ scheme in determining whether a ULEZ charge is applicable.

1. Please confirm that a pure Battery Electric Vehicle is exempt from the Ultra Low Emission Zone, and that this exemption is applied automatically.

Electric vehicles meet the emissions standards for the ULEZ and therefore no charge is payable. They are automatically marked as compliant.

1. As FOI-2696-1920/GH response states that both the Congestion Charing Zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone use the same enforcement system and DVLA data, why does a pure Battery Electric Vehicle meets the exemption requirement for the Ultra Low Emission Zone automatically but requires “registration” for the Congestion Charging Zone "discount"?

As outlined above, electric vehicles are compliant with the ULEZ standards and therefore no charge is payable. As with other compliant vehicles there is no need for the vehicle to be registered with us.

The ULEZ compliance status of a vehicle is not established during the enforcement process. Rather, prior to the launch of the scheme we worked with the DVLA and other sources to establish a database of UK registered vehicles which are compliant with the emission standards. Vehicles with a fuel type of electric were marked compliant at that point and therefore no action was required by the registered keeper of the vehicle. This database is updated quarterly with newly registered vehicles and cherished transfers. 

There is no automatic discount or exemption from the Congestion Charge for electric vehicles. They are instead captured as part of the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (previously known as the Ultra Low Emission Discount). As this discount includes a variety of different vehicles the registration process is in place to ensure the vehicle meets the required standards to be eligible for the discount.

1. Please detail the activities that are conducted in order to “register” a pure Battery Electric Vehicle as being eligible for the Congestion Charge Zone “Cleaner Vehicle Discount”

The registration is completed online. The applicant has to enter their details and provide evidence that the vehicle is electric and pay a £10 administration fee at the point of registration. The evidence is reviewed and a decision made whether to grant the discount. If the application is refused the £10 fee is refunded.

1. Please detail the technical reasons why “registration” of a pure Battery Electric Vehicle for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount is required to be renewed annually.

As outlined above, the Cleaner Vehicle Discount encompasses vehicles with other fuel types; electric vehicles are not administered separately

The renewal process is outlined in the Congestion Charging Scheme Order, which is the legal document that defines how the scheme is run.

As the discount is non-transferable, the renewal process is in place to ensure the original applicant still owns the vehicle and to ensure that it still meets the criteria to be eligible for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount.

If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.

Please note, the Government has announced a series of measures to tackle the coronavirus. It is essential for London, that we continue to provide a safe transport network for essential journeys.

In current circumstances, we are not able to answer FOI requests readily and we ask that you please do not make a request to us at present.

Answering FOI requests will require the use of limited resources and the attention of staff who could be supporting other essential activity. In any event, please note that our response time will be affected by the current situation.

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely

Graham Hurt

FOI Case Officer

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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