A large number of ULEZ drivers are facing warrants after evading the charge

More than a million motorists are reportedly evading ULEZ fines, with data showing that more than 1.2 million motorists have neglected to pay their dues six months to a year after being fined for driving in London. This marks an increase from the previous year’s figure of 700,000.

Transport for London (TfL) revealed the staggering figures in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, revealing that out of two million penalty notices (PCNs) issued, 1,204,336 remained unpaid after half a year.

The issue was highlighted a few months ago when Tony Porter, the former CCTV commissioner, wrote a report in June which found around six per cent of vehicles were using some sort of “ANPR defeating material”. Porter commented on the issue, saying, “It’s not rocket science.”

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In a statement, TfL explained the situation: “ULEZ was launched on 8 April 2019 and covered the same area as the congestion charge zone. On 25 October 2021, the zone was expanded up to, but not including the northern and southern circular, which was an 18-fold increase in the size of the zone. This is why PCN volumes are significantly higher for 21/22 and 22/23.

They added: “We take all reasonable steps to obtain payment of a PCN, including issuing a minimum of three notices and, where payment has not yet been made, issuing a warrant to our contracted enforcement agents,” reports Birmingham Live. Mr Porter explained: “Many people will think they don’t want to engage in criminal damage to Ulez cameras, but they will be tempted to check their registration number to save £12 a day. The lack of regulation of the tile market means we are exposing people to crime.”

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In his letter to the government, he pointed out: “There are few credible or effective controls governing the production, manufacture and supply of materials for the construction of number plates, nor are there any significant safety provisions for the number plates themselves.”

He further stated: “The current regime in this country makes the illegal manufacture and use of number plates and the fitting of number plates which are unreadable to the ANPR system a relatively easy undertaking with little risk of such an act being detected by relevant authorities.”

He concluded with a warning: “This problem is growing, as confirmed by current police experience.”

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