TfL Ref: FOI-0464-2223
Thank you for your revised request which we received on 16 May 2023, asking for information about the LEZ and ULEZ schemes.
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.
In order to establish whether a vehicle is compliant with the ULEZ emission standards we predominantly use the vehicle data held by the DVLA. In most cases we can establish a vehicle’s compliance status by the date it was first registered as new. We know that all diesel cars first registered as new after 1 September 2015, and all petrol cars first registered as new after 1 January 2006 are automatically compliant with the ULEZ standards. This is because there was a legal requirement to manufacture vehicles to these standards as of these dates.
Using the data provided by the DVLA we have developed a compliance database (the register) which lists the compliance status of all UK registered vehicles. This is not a live link to the DVLA data; rather a static list of vehicles which is refreshed with new updated DVLA data every month. By updating the list regularly it ensures any update to vehicle information held by the DVLA is reflected on our database soon afterwards.
If a motorist thinks we have the incorrect status for their vehicle, we have set up an enquiry service. This allows motorists to contact us if they believe that the compliance details we hold are incorrect. This service allows them to provide information to us on their vehicle confirming it is compliant. Once received, and verified, we update our records and mark the vehicle compliant. Such evidence could include a Certificate of Conformity from the vehicle manufacturer which specifically details the NOx and PM emissions of the vehicle or the V5C registration document. We would also accept a letter from the vehicle manufacturer’s homologation department.
Your request specifically asks:
I seek the following information:
- Where is the register kept?
The register is kept internally at TfL.
2. Is it available for inspection by members of the public?
No.
3. How many vehicles are listed on the register?
As at 23 May 2023, there are 66,034,083 vehicles contained on our database.
4. Pursuant to 9 (2) (a) What information does TfL reasonably require?
As outlined above the date of first registration usually allows us to establish compliance. If it doesn’t we would usually require a copy of the V5C (if the emissions standards are listed) or evidence from the vehicle manufacturer confirming the specific vehicle’s emissions. This would usually be in the form of a Certificate of Conformity or a letter from the manufacturers homologation department. The evidence must relate to the specific vehicle.
5. What steps has TfL taken to advertise or publicise, both in the UK and abroad, the requirement that a vehicle which has been modified to comply with Ulez regulations must be notified to TfL?
There is extensive information on the TfL website regarding the registration process for both foreign and UK registered vehicles. The website is available in a variety of languages and therefore the information is available to those outside the UK. ULEZ: Where and when - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk).If you have any questions or concerns regarding a specific vehicle you can contact our Road User Charging team at [email protected]If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, 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 Eva Hextall FOI Case Management TeamGeneral CounselTransport for London 