Transport for London making more than £1.5m a week from the Ultra Low Emission Zone

It’s been revealed that London's Ultra Low Emission Zone is gleaning more than £1.5m for Transport for London coffers.

In its first month, the controversial charging zone saw an average of 17,400 vehicles enter the area, with non-compliant cars, vans and motorbikes being charged £12.50 a day, while HGVs and coaches pay £100 a day.

The Evening Standard reported that of the 120,000 vehicles entering the zone, approximately three-quarters complied with new rules.

The remainder, around 26%, which eqates to around 32,600 vehicles, did not comply with current emissions standards. That figure included 11,700 vehicles carried an exemption.

7,900 taxis, which is an exempted category, entered the zone, whilst 3000 vehicles entered the area but failed to pay the charges.

TfL figures show that there were 9,400 fewer polluting vehicles entering the area, however the total volume of daytime traffic in the zone was down bu a mere 1.8%, from 91,035 vehicles to 89,380.

Figures were calculated excluding unusual events such as the road disruption caused by the Extinction Rebellion protesters.

Sadiq Khan stated that the report shows how bold actions can reap rewards, and that although it’s early days, it’s great to see Londoners and businesses are doing their bit to make a difference.”

TfL has said that it is too early to say what impact the Ulez has had on nitrogen dioxide roadside concentrations. TfL have adopted a softly softly approach with drivers who hsve failed to pay to enter the zone, opting TfL to issue warning letters for a first contravention. Had those fines been issued an incredible near £250,000 per day would have been raised.

Although Mayor Khan has vowed to extend the ULEZ in October 2021 if he is re-elected in May next year, his Tory rival Shaun Bailey said he would retain the central London zone but scrap the planned extension.

Image Source: TaxiPoint