Introduced in 2019 in central London, UK COME IN (“Zone of ultra-low emissions”) is a controversial measure equivalent to the ZFE (low emission zone) in France, which has just been extended to the whole neighborhood of London this summer.
Like the French version, distinguished by the famous Crit’air sticker, London’s low-emissions zone targets the most modest motorists, but in a slightly different way: by introducing a payment daily tax £12.50 (equivalent to around €14) to be able to continue driving there if the vehicles do not meet the prescribed standards.
Great Britain: many motorists avoid fines
In case of violation of these rules, motorists are liable a fine of £160 (about 180 euros). To track offenders, the ULEZ system relies on a large network of cameras that allows license plate reading vehicles traveling in the greater London area.
So there is no problem with identifying British vehicles in the national database (DVLA), but there is a drawback: in reality, vehicles with foreign license plate before traveling to the region, you must register on a special website. However, few visitors are aware of the event and Transport for London (the organization responsible for London’s transport) can’t seem to identify them!
Will prosecutions follow?
Indeed, Transport for London (TfL) said it was unable to locate the recipients’ contact details more than 400,000 fineswhich are issued to foreign motorists from the start of 2023. This is not a new phenomenon, as last year 487,925 fines failed to be sent to foreign motorists, representing £12 million in lost revenue, or approximately €13.8 million!
However, TfL doesn’t seem to want to rest on its laurels, as the organization appears ready to go continue the investigation, trying to work with law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom to find out whether the motorists were involved in criminal activity. In addition, Transport for London will instruct the EPC (European Parking Collections) to collect these fines by contacting the competent authorities in other European countries.
If that approach pays off, he might sign the end of impunity for many European motorists traveling in the London area.
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.