Transport for London (TfL) is stepping up enforcement against drivers who repeatedly refuse to pay fines for breaching the capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.
New figures show that 94% of the outstanding debt from ULEZ Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) comes from what TfL describe as ‘persistent evaders’ – drivers with at least four unpaid PCNs to their name.
To recover what is owed, TfL has been using a mix of intelligence-led investigations, improved data sharing with the Department for Transport and the DVLA along with tougher enforcement. Between January and June 2025, around £16.5 million was recovered through enforcement action and reinvested into the transport network.
In cases where fines remain unpaid, court-backed warrants allow enforcement agents to visit drivers at home, recover money owed or seize vehicles. So far this year, more than 530 vehicles have been taken from non-payers, with over 350 sold at auction, raising £285,000.
TfL highlighted recent examples of its clampdown, including one driver who cleared more than £6,800 in debt after being served with 18 warrants and another who paid nearly £17,000 to settle 46 warrants. In another case, a vehicle linked to 88 warrants was seized and sold for £7,000.
For those who continue to ignore fines, TfL is preparing to take stronger civil action, which could include County Court proceedings, bankruptcy cases or recovering earnings directly from employers. Officials are also trialling clearer penalty notices to encourage drivers to pay earlier in the process and avoid escalating charges.
At the same time, TfL is working with the government to explore tougher measures, including expanding the power to seize vehicles and tackling challenges such as number plate tampering, which can help drivers avoid detection.
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: ‘With 97 per cent of vehicles seen driving in London now ULEZ compliant, 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.
‘We want to make it clear 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 what you owe, and there is a risk that your vehicle and other items of property will be removed. If you’re ignoring it because you are facing financial difficulties, please instead engage with our staff, who can consider your individual circumstances and work with you.’
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