London Mayor Sadiq Khan is dealing with a massive backlog of unpaid Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fines, totaling nearly £438 million. Critics say he ignored warnings about this issue.
A new report shows that only one in five drivers are paying the ULEZ charge on time. Over 100,000 drivers have been fined at least five times, and 76,000 have received ten or more fines, according to MailOnline.
The ULEZ charge of £12.50 applies to older, more polluting cars. If not paid, a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) is issued. Many Londoners struggling to afford new cars feel the fines are unfair.
Keith Prince, a Conservative transport spokesperson in the London Assembly, told Express.co.uk:
“By the time you finish reading this, TfL will have issued another fine to a Londoner who can’t afford to upgrade their car and is four times more likely to miss the payment.”
He criticized the Mayor for not listening to warnings about a large number of unpaid fines, calling them “a disgrace and part of Labour’s war on working people.”
Transport for London (TfL) defended the ULEZ expansion, saying it helps reduce air pollution, fight climate change, and ease traffic congestion. A spokesperson said all ULEZ revenue goes back into improving public transport, including better bus routes in outer London.
TfL also stated that 96% of cars in the ULEZ zone meet the emission standards. They are increasing enforcement efforts, tripling their investigations team to track down those who refuse to pay.
A pilot program is also in place to help vulnerable people facing fines, offering financial advice and payment plans where needed.
