London's ULEZ Number Plate Checker Website Experiences Technical Issues

author: FutureCar Staff    

Transport for London's (TfL) ULEZ numberplate checker website experienced technical issues today as drivers rushed to determine if their cars would be subject to a £12.50 daily charge starting at midnight. This charge is part of Sadiq Khan's controversial policy to extend the air quality charging zone to the entire city of London. The website allows drivers to input their registration details to check if their vehicles will be affected. Earlier today, the website displayed a warning message indicating high traffic and delays. However, the online numberplate checker now appears to be functioning normally.

Mr. Khan's ULEZ expansion has faced heavy criticism from some Londoners. The ULEZ will primarily impact petrol vehicles manufactured before 2005 that do not comply with Euro 4 emissions regulations. Diesel cars and vans will only be exempt if their engines comply with the more recent Euro 6 rules introduced in September 2015. Popular models such as the Ford Transit Custom 310s, Volkswagen Golf SE Bluemotion Tech TDI (2014), Seat Leon FR TDI (2014), Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX Excite Hatchback (2014), Ford Puma Mk1 (2001), and Honda Civic 1.6i LS Limited Edition 5dr (1998) will be subject to the ULEZ charge.

Today, the surge of people visiting TfL's online checker to determine their vehicle's compliance caused technical issues, resulting in delays. In protest against the ULEZ expansion, a caravan covered in protest messages was parked outside Sadiq Khan's home in Tooting. The caravan, referred to as a 'Khan-ovan of hate,' depicts the Mayor as the 'dictator of London' and includes messages urging his dismissal and criticizing the £12.50 charge.

Despite opposition, Greater London Authority planners assert that the majority of cars and vans already meet the ULEZ standards, with 90% of cars and 80% of vans complying. However, local resistance has led to vandalism of ULEZ cameras in outer boroughs of the capital. 'Blade runners' have been cutting cables and covering lenses with stickers reading 'FCUK KHAN.' Data analysis shows that nearly 90% of ULEZ cameras in southeast London have been vandalized.

In addition, a motoring lawyer known as Mr. Loophole has advised that drivers who enter newly expanded ULEZ zones without encountering warning signs may have grounds to challenge their fines. Six out of seven local authorities bordering London have refused to sign an agreement allowing ULEZ signs within their borders, potentially causing issues for Mayor Sadiq Khan.

TfL has stated that the vandalism will not prevent the ULEZ changes from proceeding as planned, and all vandalized cameras will be repaired or replaced. They also assert that the necessary signage and information are in place to inform drivers of the ULEZ standards and boundaries. However, concerns have been raised that TfL may face an influx of driver complaints and appeals if warnings are not provided.

In conclusion, the ULEZ numberplate checker website experienced technical difficulties today due to high traffic. Sadiq Khan's ULEZ expansion has faced criticism, and certain vehicles will be subject to the daily charge. Protesters have left a caravan covered in protest messages outside Khan's home. Vandalism of ULEZ cameras has occurred, and some drivers may have grounds to challenge fines if warning signs are not present. TfL maintains that the necessary signage is in place, but concerns about driver complaints have been raised.

FutureCar Staff