How Much is the ULEZ Fine? Is it the Same as ULEZ Charge?

The ULEZ fine for all kinds of cars (petrol & diesel cars), vans, motorcycles, motor tricycles, mopeds, motor caravans, ambulances, and minibuses is £180 and comes with a 28-day payment deadline.

If you pay the ULEZ fine within the first 14 days, it comes down to £90. But if you don’t pay it even until the 28-day deadline, it may rise by 50% to £270.

What is the ULEZ?

ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone, a designated area in London where vehicles must meet specific emission standards or pay a daily charge. This charge is designed to encourage people to switch to cleaner vehicles and improve air quality in the city.

The ULEZ was recently expanded to cover Greater London, including central London, Heathrow airport and all boroughs up to the M25 Motorway. The ULEZ expansion means that many more drivers now need to be aware of the ULEZ regulations and potential fines.

ULEZ Charge Vs. ULEZ Fine

You must understand the difference between the “ULEZ charge” and “ULEZ fine.” The ULEZ charge is a daily fee for non-compliant vehicles entering the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). In contrast, a ULEZ fine, or penalty, is issued if you fail to pay the ULEZ charge.

If your vehicle doesn’t meet the ULEZ emissions standards and isn’t exempt, you’ll need to pay a daily charge of £12.50 for most vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, and vans. For heavier vehicles like lorries over 3.5 tonnes and buses over 5 tonnes, the daily charge is £100.

What is PCN? Why Have You Received It?

PCN stands for Penalty Charge Notice. It’s a document issued by Transport for London (TfL) when you’ve driven within the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) under the following conditions:

• Your vehicle doesn’t meet ULEZ emissions standards, and you aren’t exempt, either.
• You haven’t paid the correct charge by midnight on the third day after travelling in the ULEZ.
• You’ve paid for the wrong number plate, or the wrong day of travel, you may receive a PCN.
• You paid by post less than 10 days before your date of travel, you might be issued a PCN.

How Can You Pay the ULEZ Fine?

You can pay the ULEZ fine in several ways:

• Online: Through the Transport for London (TfL) website.
• Mobile app: Using the TfL Pay to drive in London app.
• By post: You can send a cheque or postal order to the address on the PCN.

What Happens if You Don’t Pay the ULEZ Fine?

Here’s a breakdown of what may happen if you fail to pay the ULEZ within the given 28 days:

• After 28 days, the fine increases by 50% to £270, and a charge certificate is sent to the vehicle’s registered keeper. You have 14 days to pay this.
• If you still haven’t paid after 14 days, the fine increases further, and an order for recovery is issued. This doesn’t affect your credit rating; you have 21 days to pay.
• If you still haven’t paid after 21 days, bailiffs may be instructed to collect the debt. They can charge fees for their services, which can become substantial if you ignore their communications.

Wrapping Up: How to Avoid ULEZ Fines?

Now, we don’t want all this hassle. So, it is better to:

• Check ULEZ compliance and see if your vehicle meets the emissions standards.
• Pay the daily charge if your vehicle doesn’t comply.
• Consider upgrading to a compliant vehicle or using alternative transportation methods.