policies and working practices for the ULEZ scrappage scheme
Request ID: FOI-2285-2324 Date published: 09 November 2023
You asked
Please provide each answer as it is available without waiting for answers to all the requests to be available
From dealings with the scrappage department it has become apparent that TFL are applying policies and practices when assessing applications which are not in line with the published criteria. In particular that they are refusing applications on the basis of criteria about supporting documents which are contrary to the requirements of the scheme or are imposing additional evidential requirements which are not published. Further they refuse applications where they have doubts about the documentation rather than contacting the applicant to resolve any issues.
Please provide the following policies or working practices/ instructions to staff etc:
1. use of DVLA V5C as proof of ownership at the relevant date, including where a V5C has been replaced not as a result of change of keeper but as a result of change of address or loss of the previous document. Whether the "date acquired" on the front of the V5C is accepted as proof of being the registered keeper at that date.
2. proof of identity and address - whether the driving licence of the applicant may be accepted as proof of both.
3. when an application should be rejected for issues with the documents proving eligibility and when an applicant should be contacted to enable further documents to be provided for the application.
Also provide :
4. information about where the above policies are published to the public who may be making applications to the scrappage scheme.
5. how many applications have been made and how many granted under the widened car and van scrappage since the criteria were extended to remove any requirement for the applicant to be on benefits/low income.
6. How many requests for additional documents have been made to applicants of the wider scheme?
We answered
Our ref: FOI-2285-2324/GH
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 27 September 2023 asking for information about the ULEZ scrappage scheme.
Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require.
Please provide the following policies or working practices/ instructions to staff etc:
1. use of DVLA V5C as proof of ownership at the relevant date, including where a V5C has been replaced not as a result of change of keeper but as a result of change of address or loss of the previous document. Whether the "date acquired" on the front of the V5C is accepted as proof of being the registered keeper at that date.
To be eligible for the scrappage scheme the vehicle being scrapped needs to have been registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to the applicant since 30 January 2022. To verify this we predominantly use the V5C issue date.
We acknowledge that on occasions the date of issue of the V5C may be after the required date as a new V5C may have been issued due to another reason such as a change of address or other changes to the vehicle information. In such instances we ask for further evidence to support that the vehicle was owned prior to the required date. Such evidence could include that the applicant had the vehicle insured or proof of previously having taxed the vehicle.
2. proof of identity and address - whether the driving licence of the applicant may be accepted as proof of both.
Yes, we will accept a copy of a valid, in-date driving licence as both proof of address and proof of identity.
3. when an application should be rejected for issues with the documents proving eligibility and when an applicant should be contacted to enable further documents to be provided for the application.
Where the documents submitted to demonstrate eligibility for funding are not sufficient to do so, an application will be rejected and the applicant invited to reapply with the correct documents. In the event the V5C was issued after the date of vehicle acquisition and during the 12-month period prior to the scheme’s launch, and providing all remaining evidence is sufficient, the applicant will be contacted and further evidence of length of ownership requested.
Also provide : 4. information about where the above policies are published to the public who may be making applications to the scrappage scheme.
Information on the application process and the evidence required in support of scrappage scheme applications is clearly outlined on our website at https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/scrappage-schemes . As per the terms and conditions of the scheme, which can also be found on the website, TfL may request additional documentation from applicants to ensure they meet the Initial Eligibility Checks and/or Secondary Eligibility Checks to TfL's satisfaction.
5. how many applications have been made and how many granted under the widened car and van scrappage since the criteria were extended to remove any requirement for the applicant to be on benefits/low income.
