Request ID: FOI-0311-2324 Date published: 26 May 2023
You asked
1) Is there a plan in place to switch off ULEZ ANPR cameras in the event of a diversion into the ULEZ because of an accident, roadworks or other reason?
2) If there isn’t a plan to switch off ULEZ cameras for unintentionally diverted drivers, then will drivers being diverted into the ULEZ be informed by TFL that they had been diverted into the zone BEFORE being presented with a penalty charge?
3) Will drivers being diverted into the ULEZ be charged, even though their journey plan did not include a diversion into the ULEZ and that they had no intention of entering the zone?
4) If diverted drivers are expected to pay the ULEZ charge, how can they challenge the charge and who is responsible for finding out if they have entered the zone?
5) How can a diverted driver find out if they have been diverted into the ULEZ?
6) Can TFL’s network of ANPR cameras guarantee that a vehicle that has been recorded as entering the zone is not a cloned vehicle or a vehicle with a false plate?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-0311-2324 Thank you for your request of 27th April 2023 asking for information about the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below: Question 1) Is there a plan in place to switch off ULEZ ANPR cameras in the event of a diversion into the ULEZ because of an accident, roadworks or other reason? Answer: The ULEZ has been in operation in London since April 2019. In October 2021 the original zone was expanded to cover the area up to, but not including, the north and south circular roads. From August of this year it will be expanded further to encompass the whole of Greater London. If we are made aware that a road will be closed and vehicles will be diverted into the ULEZ, we implement an extensive signage strategy to ensure that all motorists are aware of the diversion and the route to follow. All ULEZ cameras along the diversion route are switched off. As long as the vehicle being diverted follows the diversion route a PCN will not be issued. Sometimes we do not receive prior notice of diversions, such as when a diversion is implemented due to an emergency. In such circumstances the cameras will be switched off as soon as possible but may remain operational immediately following the implementation of the diversion. If a PCN is issued due to the vehicle being diverted into the ULEZ then the recipient of the penalty can make a representation to us. When it is apparent that the vehicle was forced into the zone due to the diversion the representation will be accepted and the penalty cancelled. Question 2) If there isn’t a plan to switch off ULEZ cameras for unintentionally diverted drivers, then will drivers being diverted into the ULEZ be informed by TFL that they had been diverted into the zone BEFORE being presented with a penalty charge? Answer: Our procedures for handling diversions into the ULEZ are outlined above. When emergency diversions are in place it is not always possible to prevent a penalty being issued. However, when it is clear it has been issued due to a diversion it will be cancelled. Question 3) Will drivers being diverted into the ULEZ be charged, even though their journey plan did not include a diversion into the ULEZ and that they had no intention of entering the zone? Answer: See answer to Questions 1 and 2 above. When a vehicle is diverted into the ULEZ as part of a planned diversion it will not be charged as the cameras on the diversion route will be switched off. If they enter the ULEZ due to an unplanned, or emergency, diversion they may incur a charge prior to us switching off the cameras. There is an established process which allows motorists to dispute charges applied. When a dispute is submitted, and it is apparent that the vehicle was forced into the zone due to the diversion, the charge will be refunded. Question 4) If diverted drivers are expected to pay the ULEZ charge, how can they challenge the charge and who is responsible for finding out if they have entered the zone? Answer: As outlined above Question 5) How can a diverted driver find out if they have been diverted into the ULEZ? Answer: See answers above. Note that all of the information required to comply with the scheme - including a map and postcode checker - can be found on our website here: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone Question 6) Can TFL’s network of ANPR cameras guarantee that a vehicle that has been recorded as entering the zone is not a cloned vehicle or a vehicle with a false plate? Answer: Cameras cannot tell if a plate is cloned. If a motorist believes they have incurred a penalty due to their vehicle being cloned then they should contact the police and make a representation challenging the penalty. When evidence is provided confirming the vehicle has been cloned the penalty will be cancelled. If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me. Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. Yours sincerely, David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
