Request ID: FOI-2363-2324 Date published: 26 October 2023
You asked
Since ULEZ expansion went live, how much money has been generated in fines from people who have driven into a ULEZ zone? What is this money going to be spent on?
How many members of the public have logged complaints about the ULEZ expansion?
How much money has been spent on the ULEZ expansion?
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2363-2324 Thank you for clarifying your request asking for information about the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) 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. The ULEZ was further expanded to cover all of London on 29 August 2023.
The estimated final cost to deliver the expanded scheme was reported in November 2022 as £159.5m. However, since this time we have undertaken further design work and now expect the costs to be in the range of £145 -155m. This includes costs of signage, detection and enforcement infrastructure, marketing, project overheads and risk.
The aim of the ULEZ is to help improve air quality by reducing the number of vehicles in London that do not meet emissions standards. It is a statutory requirement that any net revenue generated by our road charging schemes (the ULEZ, LEZ or the Congestion Charge) is reinvested back into London’s transport network, including investing in improving transport links in outer London. All money received from the ULEZ is reinvested into improving London’s public transport network, such as expanding bus routes in outer London. In accordance with the FOI Act, TfL is not obliged to supply you with the remaining information you have requested as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information, under Section 22 of the Act. In this instance the exemption has been applied as some of the information you have requested is intended for future publication.
The information you have requested is intended for future publication on our website, when we report later this year on the first month of operation of the expanded zone.
This exemption is subject to a public interest test, which requires us to assess whether the public interest in applying the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. In this instance, it is considered that the public interest favours the publication of this information, in context and according to the pre-determined schedule, rather than in response to your request, to ensure the information is provided accurately and in an accessible manner.
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
