ULEZ Non Compliance Processes, Retained/Private Number Plates
Request ID: FOI-2342-2324 Date published: 23 October 2023
You asked
You have missed to point of my request, I require the laid down and published process for dealing with these cases, NOT what the Customer Services Team says as there is NO published information the public can refer to.
It is how the processes were decided upon and the methodology used.
We answered
TfL Ref: 2342-2324
Thank you for your request received by us on 26 September 2023 asking for information about the ULEZ scheme.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked for:
the laid down and published process for dealing with these cases, NOT what the Customer Services Team says as there is NO published information the public can refer to.
It is how the processes were decided upon and the methodology used
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 the Vehicle Certification Agency and information sourced from vehicle manufacturers. The information on the DVLA database is sent to us monthly and our systems are then updated with any amendments. We do not use a live link to their database to establish vehicle compliance.
Using the data above, we have developed our online Compliance Checker. This allows motorists to verify whether their vehicle meets the standards and is compliant with the ULEZ.
However, the Compliance Checker does not link into live DVLA data, rather we receive a monthly update from the DVLA. While this usually ensures any update to DVLA data is quickly reflected on our Compliance Checker, it can mean that on some occasions there is a short delay in the information being updated.
When a registration is transferred from a non-compliant to a compliant vehicle, there can be a short delay in our compliance checker being updated. This is because the change in the DVLA data will not be reflected on our Compliance Checker until we receive the next monthly update.
In the interim period, motorists can contact us and provide evidence of the change in the registration, and we will update the compliance status of the vehicle. This can be done prior to us receiving the monthly DVLA update.
The process of issuing a Penalty Charge Notice is entirely separate from the process for the Compliance Checker and operates under a different agreement we have with the DVLA. When we establish that a non-compliant vehicle has been driven in the ULEZ, and no charge has been paid, we contact the DVLA for the registered keeper and vehicle details. For the purpose of issuing PCNs we have access to live DVLA data.
Prior to issuing a PCN, we manually verify that the vehicle information provided by the DVLA matches the image of the vehicle which we have pictured in the zone. When the details match, a PCN is issued. I believe this is the manually checking which you are referring to. A copy of our published information regarding this verification process is attached.
On receipt of a PCN, a motorist can submit a representation to us challenging it. If the representation is made on the grounds that the vehicle is complaint, we simply request evidence and on receipt and verification of the evidence, the PCN is cancelled.
There are no current plans to change these processes.
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
Jasmine Howard FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
