Just received ULEZ PCN - are they enforced?

silvercue

I had to drive to Shepherds Bush area recently.  Terrible weather/visibility and I have not driven in London for over a decade.  I had no idea I was in a ULEZ so did not go online to pay.

Today a PCN arrived.    I have had PCNs for parking before and never paid them and even after they sell the debt on the noise eventually went away.

Not sure that will work this time....I wonder if anyone has any experience of ULEZ PCNs?

I have read teh PCN and there seems to be no option to spread payments if you are struggling with money.....anyone know if that is possible?

CliveOfIndia

I won't pretend to know the specifics on ULEZ rules, so I won't attempt to give advice which may be incorrect.  But assuming the penalty charge has been issued by the council (i.e. it's a genuine penalty) then ignoring it would be a very bad idea.  It's quite different from a "pretend fine" from a private parking company.

I'm sure you may be able to challenge it if you feel you have a legitimate case - but I really wouldn't just ignore it.

user1977

silvercue said:

I have read teh PCN and there seems to be no option to spread payments if you are struggling with money.....anyone know if that is possible?

Hmm, you also have another thread running where your only struggle with money is where to invest £20k, so I presume this is just an academic question?

In any event, no, I've never heard of PCNs with a facility to pay in instalments.

fatbelly

The enforcement process is here

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/enforcement-process

macman

Very poor visibility indeed if you missed the huge warning signs on all the entry roads around the zone.
I hope you didn't miss the 30mph limit signs as well, as they're much smaller...

mr_stripey

best thing is to pay up I think - and pay more attention to signs in future. The ULEZ in London (and elswhere for that matter) are pretty well signposted in my experience. If you were in any doubt you should have gone online at the earliest opportunity to see if  your vehicle was chargeable.

Goudy

Have a read of this
https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/enforcement-process

From all accounts, TFL are very keen to collect any outstanding PCNs and use various debt agents to do this.

I even believe they are now looking at ways to collect outstanding PCNs from other countries.

UK agents aren't allowed to collect debts from abroad but I hear as there are so many visitors being caught, they are considering passing the debts on into the arms of agents in those countries, which appears perfectly legal.

baser999

macman said:

Very poor visibility indeed if you missed the huge warning signs on all the entry roads around the zone.
I hope you didn't miss the 30mph limit signs as well, as they're much smaller...

Agreed - and I believe I’m right in saying there’s advance warning ahead of the zone so time to stop and take another route. 

Can’t see OP has any defence, save for their car being compliant.
More money into Khans coffers, kerching 

silvercue

user1977 said:

silvercue said:

I have read teh PCN and there seems to be no option to spread payments if you are struggling with money.....anyone know if that is possible?

Hmm, you also have another thread running where your only struggle with money is where to invest £20k, so I presume this is just an academic question?

In any event, no, I've never heard of PCNs with a facility to pay in instalments.

Yes, I was referring to a general policy - I would have thought they have this.  I can afford to pay it buy would rather spread the payments as I have some money for investment, but my plan leaves my little room to manoeuvre with what is left monthly. 

silvercue

macman said:

Very poor visibility indeed if you missed the huge warning signs on all the entry roads around the zone.
I hope you didn't miss the 30mph limit signs as well, as they're much smaller...

we have speed limits in London?   Ironic as we are stuck at 5mph most of the time!

silvercue

mr_stripey said:

best thing is to pay up I think - and pay more attention to signs in future. The ULEZ in London (and elswhere for that matter) are pretty well signposted in my experience. If you were in any doubt you should have gone online at the earliest opportunity to see if  your vehicle was chargeable.

Yea - come to this conclusion myself too.  Cheers