TfL Ref: FOI-2029-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 17 November 2022, asking for information about penalty charge notices (PCNs).
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. You asked:
On average, how many days does it take TfL to issue a PCN to a driver, following a non-compliant vehicle driving into the ULEZ? I.e. what is the gap (in days) between the contravention and the date printed on the PCN?
When a motorist drives a non-compliant vehicle in the ULEZ they can pay up to 90 days in advance or by midnight on the third day after the journey.
When the three day payment period has expired we cross reference the vehicles which have been driven in the zone with those which have paid the charge, are compliant or 100% discounted or exempt. Where a match is found the vehicle records are deleted. If no match is found the records are retained for enforcement processes.
The regulations do not quote a timeframe in which PCNs must be issued however since the start of the ULEZ on 8 April 2019, there has been an average of 7 days between the date the vehicle was driven in the zone and the date the penalty was issued.
Are PCNs sent to drivers via first or second class post?
All PCNs are issued by first class post.
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 Team
General Counsel
Transport for London
