Transport for London is receiving more money in fines for their Ultra Low Emission Zone than they are in annual charges according to data published from a new Freedom of Information request.
The new information has been published by Citroen UK to help promote their new ë-C4 electric car, which would be exempt from any charges, a big incentive for those who drive in London and are currently paying £15 a day for the privilege of entering central areas of the capital.
The extent of fines will shock even those most critical of the congestion charge, with TfL raking in a huge £130 million in fines, compared to the £52 million they recouped from those who actually paid the daily charge. Drivers are hit with a £160 Penalty Charge Notice if they fail to register their vehicle for the Ultra Low Emission Zone scheme, with only those that emit less than 75g/km of Co2 exempt from paying. In the 12 month period from September 2019 to 2020, there were 817,000 PCNs issued. Citroen’s data suggests that many drivers may have been caught out in the change to the scheme, which saw the ULEZ extended to seven days a week, from the standard Monday to Friday, catching out many weekend visitors.
“Electric vehicles, such as the New ë-C4, New ë-SpaceTourer and New ë-Dispatch van are perfect for keeping motoring bills to a minimum,” said Citroen’s Managing Director, Eurig Druce. “Not only do they help drivers save significantly on running costs, but as our latest research shows, they also eliminate the chance of unexpected and expensive fines for forgetting the Congestion Charge Zone payment and other low emission zone tariffs.”
Speaking to The Daily Mail, a statement from TfL said that all funds raised by ULEZ will be put back into transport schemes.
“The Government required TfL to bring forward proposals to widen the scope and level of the Congestion Charge,” the statement said.
“These temporary changes are essential to prevent London’s recovery from the pandemic from being restricted by cars and congestion. They also support changes to London’s streets to facilitate greater numbers of people walking and cycling at a safe social distance.
“Analysis showed that as the Government eased restrictions last year, if people chose to drive instead of using public transport, car traffic in central London could double – damaging the economy, health and air quality.”