Request ID: FOI-2392-2324 Date published: 19 October 2023
You asked
What enforcement is being taken against foreign registered vehicles
a, what action is taken when a non compliant / non registered foreign registered vehicle is identified by ulez camaras
b. assuming that some enforcement action is taken what follow up action is taken if the penalty not paid
I am asking this as we appear to have a large number of commercial vehicles on European plates in Newham which are unlikely to be compliant and they also appear to have been here fo far longer than 6 months
We answered
Our Ref: FOI-2392-2324
Thank you for your request received on 6 October 2023 asking for information about enforcement of 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 hold some of the information you require. You asked: a. What action is taken when a non compliant / non registered foreign registered vehicle is identified by ulez camaras The aim of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is to enhance air quality in London and to address the triple challenge of toxic air pollution, the climate emergency and traffic congestion. In light of the air quality and health benefits the scheme brings all vehicles which are used in London need to comply with all our charging schemes, irrespective of which country the vehicle is registered in. In terms of the ULEZ; for UK registered vehicles we can usually establish compliance by using the vehicle information held by the DVLA. However, we do not have access to the equivalent information for vehicles registered outside the UK and therefore we are unable to automatically establish their compliance. In order to address this we have set up an enquiry service which allows owners of non-UK registered vehicles to contact us and provide evidence that their vehicle is compliant with the relevant scheme. On receipt of this evidence we update our records, mark the vehicle as compliant and ensure it can then be used in the charging area without payment. If a foreign registered vehicle is not registered with us, or is non-compliant, and is driven in any of our charging zones we take further steps to encourage compliance. We use European Parking Collections (EPC) to carry out foreign enforcement on our behalf. They are provided with details of the vehicle and then carry out some additional checks. If they establish that the vehicle is compliant a PCN will not be issued. If compliance cannot be established then a PCN will be issued. If the keeper of the vehicle contacts EPC to confirm the vehicle is compliant, and provides supporting evidence, then the penalty will be cancelled and the records updated to mark the vehicle compliant. This ensures that if the vehicle is driven in the ULEZ again no penalties are issued. b. Assuming that some enforcement action is taken what follow up action is taken if the penalty not paid When we send details of vehicles to EPC they take steps to identify the registered keeper of the vehicle. This is usually done by requesting details from the local vehicle licensing agency as the UK does not have reciprocal data sharing arrangements with other European countries. In some cases it can take time for the information to become available which can result in a PCN taking longer than we would like to be issued. EPC only recently gained access to the vehicle keeper details for vehicle registered in the Netherlands and began issuing PCNs for earlier contraventions. While most penalties were issued for recent contraventions some were for contraventions some months earlier. The date on which a penalty is received does not affect the recipients right to pay a penalty at the reduced rate or to make a representation. If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me. 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
