Persistent Offenders Owe Over £700m in Ulez Fines as TfL Cracks Down on Evasion

Published: 19 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk

Transport for London (TfL) has revealed that a small minority of persistent offenders are responsible for more than £700 million in unpaid fines under the city’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) scheme, prompting a renewed crackdown on those flouting environmental regulations. The figures, disclosed in a comprehensive report from TfL, show that 94 percent of the £790 million owed stems from drivers who repeatedly ignore penalties, highlighting a significant challenge in enforcing compliance across the capital.

Introduced in 2019 during Boris Johnson’s tenure as mayor and subsequently expanded under Sadiq Khan in 2023 to cover the entirety of Greater London, the Ulez has become a defining feature of the city’s efforts to combat air pollution. It charges drivers of non-compliant vehicles a daily £12.50 fee for entering designated areas, targeting older diesel and petrol vehicles that emit higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants. TfL estimates that nearly 97 percent of vehicles operating in the zone now meet emission standards, with the majority of owners paying the daily charge or subscribing to the automatic payment system.

Despite this broad compliance, a persistent minority of motorists continues to evade the charge. TfL highlighted cases in which drivers accrued tens of thousands of pounds in fines, including one individual who faced 130 warning letters and 14 visits from enforcement officers, resulting in the seizure and auction of his vehicle. Some motorists have been fined up to £17,000 this year alone, reflecting both the seriousness of evasion and TfL’s determination to enforce the scheme rigorously.

Enforcement data from the first half of 2025 reveals that approximately £16.5 million was recovered through actions including vehicle seizures, with 530 cars impounded and 350 sold at auction, raising £285,000. TfL has indicated that further enforcement measures are being escalated through county courts, and in extreme cases, could involve bankruptcy proceedings for persistent non-payers. These steps underline the seriousness with which the authority views repeated violations, as well as the growing importance of the Ulez in London’s broader strategy to improve public health.

Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, emphasised the critical role of the Ulez in tackling the capital’s long-standing air pollution crisis. “We know that we need bold solutions to tackle the public health crisis and poor air quality in London, and Ulez does just that,” he said. “Only a very small minority of vehicles now don’t meet the standards. Most drivers who have vehicles that are liable for the charge are responsible and pay it. It is only a small group of persistent evaders who fail to do so.”

The report also revealed a link between deliberate evasion of Ulez charges and other criminal activities. TfL, working in partnership with the Department for Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, is now using shared data to track offenders more effectively and take enforcement action where necessary. The government is also seeking to increase legal powers to seize vehicles and tackle issues such as registration plate tampering, a problem that has occasionally complicated enforcement efforts.

While compliance remains high, there have been instances where drivers have been incorrectly fined due to technical or administrative issues. Reports from last year in Chingford, for example, highlighted cases where enforcement cameras had been vandalised and incorrectly angled, leading to the rescinding of charges and penalty notices. Similarly, several European drivers received repeat fines after failing to pre-register vehicles with foreign number plates, prompting TfL to review procedures and ensure fairness in enforcement.

The Ulez scheme’s expansion has not been without political and social debate. Critics argue that it disproportionately impacts low-income drivers who cannot afford to replace older vehicles, while supporters cite clear environmental benefits. According to City Hall’s air quality monitoring reports, roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations are estimated to be 54 percent lower in central London and 24 percent lower in outer London than they would have been without the Ulez. Other pollutants, including particulate matter, have also declined significantly, reflecting the policy’s measurable impact on public health and environmental quality.

Williams further urged drivers facing financial difficulties not to ignore penalty notices. “Ignoring PCNs could mean cars or property being forfeited,” he said. “We encourage people to engage with our staff, who can consider your individual circumstances and work with you. TfL’s aim is to promote compliance while supporting those who may genuinely struggle to pay.” The authority has increasingly offered structured payment plans and discretionary relief in an effort to balance strict enforcement with fairness and social responsibility.

The scale of unpaid fines highlights a persistent challenge for London’s environmental policies. While the overwhelming majority of motorists adhere to regulations, the actions of a small group of evaders undermine the effectiveness of the scheme and pose broader questions about enforcement capacity and deterrence. Experts note that persistent evasion not only affects revenue collection but can also erode public confidence in regulatory frameworks, particularly in initiatives aimed at tackling climate change and air pollution.

Since its inception, the Ulez has been hailed internationally as a pioneering measure to reduce vehicle emissions and improve urban air quality. Its success has inspired other cities across Europe to consider similar schemes, combining technological enforcement with financial incentives to encourage cleaner transport. However, the emergence of persistent offenders demonstrates the need for continuous monitoring, data-driven enforcement, and adaptive legal frameworks to ensure such policies achieve their intended goals.

Looking forward, TfL plans to intensify measures against repeat offenders while maintaining engagement with compliant drivers. The authority is exploring new technological solutions, including enhanced number plate recognition and cross-referencing with tax and insurance records, to identify vehicles that consistently evade payment. Alongside this, education campaigns and clearer communication of responsibilities are intended to reduce accidental non-compliance and improve public understanding of the Ulez’s objectives.

The financial implications of unpaid fines are significant, but the environmental and public health benefits of the Ulez continue to outweigh the costs. With the city struggling to meet national air quality targets and combat the long-term effects of urban pollution, the expansion and enforcement of the Ulez remain central to London’s strategy. Experts argue that strict enforcement against persistent offenders is crucial not only for compliance but for reinforcing the legitimacy of the scheme and ensuring equitable treatment of all drivers.

In summary, while the majority of Londoners comply with the Ulez daily charge and support its environmental goals, a small minority of persistent evaders continues to pose challenges for Transport for London. With £790 million in unpaid fines, escalating enforcement actions, and the possibility of bankruptcy proceedings, the authority is signaling that deliberate evasion will no longer be tolerated. At the same time, by offering support and payment options for those struggling, TfL aims to maintain fairness, uphold public health objectives, and ensure that London’s air quality continues to improve in the years ahead.