ULEZ PCN: Charges, Challenges and Appeals
This guide explains a ULEZ Penalty Charge Notice, current amounts and how to submit evidence to TfL if you believe it is wrong.
Did you know that Churchill Motor Insurance reported that in 2022, UK councils issued an average of 19,631 daily parking fines, a 12% increase from the previous year?1
We understand how frustrating it can be to receive a PCN. It can also be confusing to know how to handle it, but don’t worry; in this article, we’ll explain:
- What ULEZ is and why you might get a PCN.
- Whether you have to pay ULEZ fines right away.
- How much a ULEZ PCN might cost you.
- The steps for appealing a ULEZ PCN.
- The grounds you can use to appeal your ULEZ PCN.
We understand what you’re going through because we’ve been there too. So, let’s get into the details and help you figure out whether to pay or appeal your ULEZ PCN.
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What is the ULEZ?
ULEZ stands for “Ultra Low Emissions Zone.” This is in place all the time, except on Christmas Day, to help improve the air quality in London.
ULEZ covers all London boroughs and the City of London. It expanded on 29 August 2023; the North and South Circular roads are no longer its boundary. The M25 is outside the zone. Check your route using TfL’s official map.
You are required to pay the £12.50 daily levy even if you only drive your vehicle for a short distance inside the zone and your vehicle does not comply with the ULEZ emissions regulations. This covers those who live within the ULEZ. On the other hand, if you park your vehicle inside the zone and do not use it, you will not be required to pay the ULEZ fee.
A ULEZ Penalty Charge Notice follows a statutory road-user-charging process. A private Parking Charge Notice is usually a separate contractual claim and can be legally enforceable. Use the correct challenge route for your notice.
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Why might you get a ULEZ penalty charge?
TfL may issue a PCN where a charge is due and has not been paid correctly. Check these possible reasons together with any applicable exemption:
- Your vehicle does not meet the ULEZ emission standards
- Your vehicle is not exempt or registered for an applicable 100% discount.
- You haven’t paid the correct charge by midnight on the 3rd charging day after your journey in the ULEZ
- The vehicle licence plate or travel date was incorrect.
- You paid by post less than 10 days before you travelled in the zone.
Check the right challenge process
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Check whether you need to make an informal challenge, formal representations or an independent tribunal appeal. Follow the route and deadline printed on your notice. London cases generally go to London Tribunals; relevant cases in England outside London and Wales go to the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Other UK jurisdictions have different procedures.
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What is the appeals process for it?
If you have been given a ULEZ penalty charge notice, the first step that you need to take is to file your appeal on the website of Transport for London. You can also send your appeal in writing, but sending it online is faster.
TfL freezes the PCN while it considers representations. That does not guarantee the discount will remain available after rejection; read the notice and any offer in TfL’s response.
In most cases, a notice of the fee for the penalty is delivered to the person who is listed as the registered keeper of the vehicle.
TfL normally requires representations within 28 days of service. If circumstances prevented a timely response, it can consider a late submission at its discretion with supporting evidence; do not assume it must accept one.
Here’s a quick table summarizing the appeal process to help you understand everything better.
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| On receiving a council PCN | Read the notice, keep it, gather evidence and note all payment and challenge deadlines. |
| Windscreen or handed-to-driver PCN | An informal challenge may be available before the Notice to Owner. Early challenge can preserve a discount under the authority’s policy; 14 days is not a universal final appeal deadline. |
| Postal PCN or Notice to Owner | Normally make formal representations within 28 days as stated on the notice. Do not assume there is an extra informal stage. |
| Representations rejected | The Notice of Rejection explains how to appeal to the appropriate independent tribunal, normally within 28 days. |
| Appeal unsuccessful | Pay by the deadline given in the decision or obtain advice on any available review. Further statutory charges can follow if you do neither. |
| Other ticket type | Private parking charges and FPNs use different procedures; follow the actual notice. |
Further guidance: Traffic Penalty Tribunal; Citizens Advice.
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Memberships renew automatically until cancelled. Check the initial price, renewal price, billing interval and cancellation terms.
The standard service does not create a solicitor-client relationship. No successful outcome is guaranteed. JustAnswer’s membership and cancellation information.
What grounds can I appeal the PCN on?
Use the statutory grounds on TfL’s notice and explain any mitigating circumstances separately. Examples of matters to check include:
- A qualifying hire agreement permits liability to be transferred, with the documents required by TfL.
- The vehicle wrongly identified as, “not compliant” when it was
- The car was sold before the ULEZ charge was applied
- The driver made a mistake trying to make an automated ULEZ payment
- A qualifying vehicle exemption or registered disability-related grace period applies. A Blue Badge alone does not exempt a vehicle from ULEZ.
Lack of knowledge of ULEZ is not in itself an exemption. TfL can consider mitigation, but cancellation is not guaranteed.
A payment mistake or difficult circumstances may be considered at TfL’s discretion. This differs from proving that the vehicle was compliant, the charge was paid correctly or another statutory ground applies.
If TfL rejects your representations, follow the Notice of Rejection to appeal to London Tribunals within the stated deadline. The outcome depends on the facts and legal grounds, not simply whether the charge feels unfair.
How much is the fine?
| ULEZ PCN stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Full penalty | £180 |
| Paid within 14 days of service | £90 |
| Charge certificate, where the statutory conditions are met | £270 |
Contacting the TFL to make an appeal
There are various ways to get in touch with Transport for London (TFL) to appeal your ULEZ PCN.
You can make your representation online by clicking here. You will need your PCN number, the reasons why you are appealing and any supporting evidence.
For postal representations, use the address shown on your ULEZ PCN. TfL’s current ULEZ challenge page gives Low Emission Zone, PO Box 553, Darlington DL1 9TZ. Include the reference, grounds and evidence and retain proof of sending.
Before using a paid legal information service
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A paid service is optional. Gather your notice and evidence, check the deadline and decide whether you need professional advice about your circumstances.
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Memberships renew automatically until cancelled. Check the initial price, renewal price, billing interval and cancellation terms.
The standard service does not create a solicitor-client relationship. No successful outcome is guaranteed. JustAnswer’s membership and cancellation information.
References
