Sadiq Khan has intensified efforts to clamp down on drivers who repeatedly evade Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fines, warning that persistent offenders could face bankruptcy proceedings. The Mayor of London’s expanded ULEZ, which now covers the entirety of Greater London, penalises drivers of non-compliant vehicles—those not meeting specific European pollution standards—with a daily charge of £12.50. Since its introduction in 2019 and expansion in 2023, the scheme has been contentious, with Transport for London (TfL) revealing that the total value of unpaid ULEZ penalty charge notices (PCNs) has climbed sharply to nearly £800 million, three times the figure reported just a year earlier.

TfL data indicates that about 94% of this substantial debt is owed by a relatively small group of drivers who have accumulated four or more unpaid fines. To address this, the transport authority is ramping up enforcement measures, including vehicle seizures and more rigorous debt recovery actions. From January to June 2025 alone, over 530 vehicles were confiscated, and significant amounts recouped through auctions. In the past year, bailiffs have seized 1,429 vehicles and recovered £25.6 million in unpaid penalties. TfL is expanding its investigations team threefold, signalling an escalated crackdown aimed at those evading their financial obligations. In the most severe cases, proceedings may extend to bankruptcy, wage garnishment, or restricting the sale of property until debts are cleared.

Alex Williams, TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, emphasises that while compliance rates are high—97% of vehicles in London meet the emission standards—the enforcement focus remains on a “small minority” of persistent evaders. He urges drivers who struggle financially to engage with TfL’s staff rather than ignore fines, highlighting the potential for tailored support. The organisation is also experimenting with clearer penalty notices intended to improve comprehension and encourage timely payment.

The ULEZ scheme exempts vehicles such as taxis, disabled transport, and certain heavy goods vehicles, with petrol cars generally needing to be registered post-2005 and diesel cars post-2015 to avoid charges. Failing to pay the daily charge by midnight on the third day after travel results in fines, which can escalate from initial penalty notices to fees as high as £280 if ignored.

Despite the environmental benefits touted by the mayor, including significant reductions in air pollution and health improvements for Londoners, the expanded ULEZ has attracted criticism, particularly from business groups and outer London boroughs. TfL's own data shows that high street spending fell by 3.4% in outer London in the year following the zone’s extension, with Barking and Dagenham experiencing a 13.25% decline in retail spend. Only eight out of 33 London boroughs saw an increase in high street spending post-expansion. Critics argue that the mayor’s claims of minimal economic impact are contradicted by these figures, with opposition politicians labelling some of the supporting evidence as speculative.

Mr Khan maintains that the ULEZ expansion is crucial for public health and environmental reasons. He has also been vocal in defending the policy against protesters, some of whom he has accused of aligning with far-right groups or spreading conspiracy theories. The mayor has faced personal threats related to the issue, including receiving a bullet in the post and an Osman warning from security services, reflecting the contentious nature of the scheme.

Public transport improvements remain a key focus for TfL, with revenue from ULEZ charges being reinvested into enhancing London's transit infrastructure. However, the growing debt burden represents a significant challenge for the organisation, which has seen its bad debt rise by nearly £300 million over three years, exacerbated by the ULEZ’s borough-wide roll-out. The London Assembly has called on the mayor to improve debt collection efforts to mitigate the financial strain on TfL.

In summary, while the ULEZ scheme has succeeded in reducing pollution and boosting compliance, the mayor and Transport for London face ongoing battles with enforcement and criticism over the economic fallout, particularly for outer London communities. The recent announcement of stronger punitive measures against persistent fines dodgers underscores the authorities’ determination to recuperate funds and sustain the scheme's environmental goals.

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Source: Noah Wire Services