Request ID: FOI-0485-2324 Date published: 12 June 2023
You asked
I'd like to please know per year since it was introduced how many ULEZ fines have been referred/sold on to a debt collection/bailiff type company to help TFL collect the unpaid charge and fines.
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-0485-2324
Thank you for your request received on 18 May 2023 asking for information about unpaid Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) penalty charge notices (PCNs).
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
The ULEZ was originally launched on 8 April 2019 and covered the same area of central London as the Congestion Charging zone. On 25 October 2021 the ULEZ was expanded to cover the area up to but not including the North and South Circular roads. This represented an 18 time increase in the size of the zone.
When a motorist receives a penalty they can challenge it by submitting a representation to us. If the representation is accepted the penalty is cancelled and if it is rejected the motorist has a further right to appeal against this decision to an Independent Adjudicator at London Tribunals. If the appeal is allowed the penalty is cancelled and if refused it remains outstanding.
Should a PCN remain unpaid we issue a Charge Certificate followed by an Order for Recovery. It is only after the issuing of a minimum of three notices that a warrant will be issued to our contracted Enforcement Agents.
The table below details the number of warrants issued in each year since the launch of the ULEZ.
Year
Total
2019
45,940
2020
146,318
2021
182,120
2022
859,115
2023*
422,567
Total
1,656,060
*As of 30 April 2023
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.
Yours sincerely
Gemma Jacob Senior FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
