Request ID: FOI-2044-2324 Date published: 05 October 2023
You asked
Would it be possible to inform me how TFL obtain emission data from a registration certificate that holds no visible data? Where do the hidden details come from? Can you tell me what they are please?
Regards
We answered
Our ref: FOI-2044-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 12 September 2023 asking for information about emissions data.
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.
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. Therefore in the majority of cases, even in the absence of recorded emission data, we can establish whether a vehicle meets the standard.
We also supplement the DVLA data with information from Vehicle Certification Agency and information sourced from vehicle manufacturers.
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 a letter from the vehicle manufacturer’s homologation department.
If this is not the information you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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
