Avoiding Cameras at Hampton Court Palace

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【Summary】Tourists visiting Hampton Court Palace are advised on how to avoid Sadiq Khan's Ulez levy by turning left out of the car park, which will not be seen by Ulez cameras. The palace's location on the edge of the London Borough of Richmond and its proximity to Surrey means it is outside of Khan's Ulez area. However, motorists driving a non-compliant vehicle may still face the charge if they re-enter the Ulez zone elsewhere.

FutureCar Staff Aug 31, 2023 5:34 PM PT

Avoiding Cameras at Hampton Court Palace

Tourists visiting Hampton Court Palace have received advice on how to avoid the £12.50 Ulez levy imposed by Sadiq Khan. Historic Royal Palaces, the charity responsible for managing the Grade I listed building, has stated that drivers who turn left out of the car park will not be detected by the Ulez cameras.

The Ulez charge is now applicable to motorists across London whose vehicles do not meet the minimum emissions standards. This policy was expanded by the London Mayor to cover all areas of the capital on August 29. However, Hampton Court Palace, located on the edge of the London Borough of Richmond and bordering Surrey, is situated outside of Khan's Ulez area. The nearest train station is also outside of the Ulez zone.

A map of the Ulez boundary in South West London provided by Transport for London shows that the River Thames serves as a dividing line between areas covered by the carbon-cutting levy in South West London. The advice posted on Hampton Court Palace's website stated that cars exiting the car park onto Hampton Court Road, which is within the charging zones, will not be detected by the Ulez cameras if they turn left and exit London. However, if these non-compliant cars re-enter the Ulez zone elsewhere with a non-compliant vehicle, they may be detected by the cameras. Transport for London has confirmed that there are no plans to change the location of the cameras.

The information regarding avoiding the Ulez charge was removed from the website in the afternoon. However, Historic Royal Palaces also tweeted that visitors who turn left out of the car park will not be seen by the enforcement camera and will not be charged. It is understood that visitors leaving Hampton Court Palace are unlikely to face the levy as the car park only allows left turns. However, motorists driving a non-compliant vehicle may still be subject to the charge if they re-enter the Ulez zone elsewhere. Transport for London has installed nearly 1,900 Ulez cameras across the expanded area in preparation for Khan's enlargement of the policy.

Hampton Court Palace is also known for its fully working wine fountain, which is a recreation of Henry VIII's wine fountain.