Cars seized and sold at auctions as TfL cracks down on ULEZ fine evaders
Transport for London (TfL) is stepping up its efforts to tackle drivers who persistently avoid paying penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued for Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) breaches.
A growing group of motorists is responsible for significant unpaid fines, which could otherwise be reinvested to enhance London’s transport infrastructure.
TfL is tripling its investigations team, strengthening its partnership with enforcement agents to target drivers of non-compliant vehicles. The move will see more intelligence-led actions and an increase in bailiff visits to recover outstanding debts. Bailiffs are empowered to clamp or remove vehicles, which may then be sold at auction to cover unpaid charges and additional fees accrued by late payments.
Since the expansion of ULEZ across London in August 2023, the zone has aimed to combat air pollution, climate change, and traffic congestion. Revenue from ULEZ charges is reinvested in public transport, particularly improving bus routes in outer London.
The latest figures indicate that 96% of vehicles in the zone now meet ULEZ standards, meaning most drivers avoid the daily charge. TfL’s automatic number plate recognition cameras flag non-compliant vehicles, issuing a PCN if the charge remains unpaid after three days. Ignored fines escalate to debt recovery through court-issued warrants, followed by enforcement action if payment remains outstanding.
Some persistent offenders have accumulated significant debts. In one case, a driver with 45 warrants settled nearly £16,000 after being tracked to a new address. Another offender, who owed over £7,800, made payments after multiple bailiff visits. In a recent operation, a vehicle was seized after ignoring ten warrants, having been issued 43 warning letters and five prior visits.
Between August 2023 and July 2024, bailiffs seized 1,429 vehicles, with 761 sold at auction, recovering over £710,000 in unpaid debts.
TfL encourages those facing fines to engage early, offering payment plans and signposting to support services for those in financial difficulty. A pilot scheme to assist vulnerable recipients is set to launch, providing further support and guidance for those in hardship.
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: "The most recent data shows that on average, over 96 per cent of vehicles seen driving in the ULEZ are compliant.
"We want to send a clear message to vehicle owners that if you receive a penalty charge for driving in the zone, you should not ignore it. Your penalty will progress to enforcement agents to recover the fines that you owe, and there is a risk that your vehicle and other items of property will be removed.
"The aim of the ULEZ is to clean up London’s air and remove old polluting cars from the road so no drivers need to pay and no fines occur. There is only a small minority of drivers who are eligible for the charge, and even fewer who are refusing to pay – but we encourage anyone experiencing financial difficulties not to ignore PCNs, and to engage with our staff, who will work with you towards a resolution, including setting up debt payment plans."
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