Technical difficulties hit ULEZ number plate checker website

author: FutureCar Staff    

Transport for London's 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 policy, implemented by Sadiq Khan, extends the air quality charging zone to cover all of London, affecting thousands of drivers already struggling with the high cost of living. As part of the rollout, TfL launched a website where drivers can input their registration details to check if their vehicle will face a bill.

This morning, the website displayed a warning message stating that it was busier than usual and that users were in a queue with an expected wait time of one minute. TfL's online numberplate checker is now functioning normally. Despite criticism from some Londoners, Mr. Khan's ULEZ expansion will generally impact petrol vehicles introduced 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 vans like the Ford Transit Custom 310s will be subject to the ULEZ charge if registered before the cut-off date. Diesel cars such as the Volkswagen Golf SE Bluemotion Tech TDI (2014), the Seat Leon FR TDI (2014), and the Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX Excite Hatchback (2014) will also be liable. Similarly, affected petrol cars include the Ford Puma Mk1 (2001) and the Honda Civic 1.6i LS Limited Edition 5dr (1998).

The influx of people checking their car's compliance caused technical issues on TfL's online checker, resulting in delays. In protest against the ULEZ expansion, a caravan covered in slogans and messages critical of Mr. Khan was parked outside his home in Tooting. The caravan, dubbed a 'Khan-ovan of hate,' includes messages such as 'Pay me £12.50 and you can pollute for 24 hours' and calls for his dismissal.

Despite opposition, the Greater London Authority maintains that the majority of cars and vans already meet the ULEZ standards. However, local resistance has led to the vandalism of ULEZ cameras in outer boroughs. A significant number of cameras have been damaged or covered with stickers reading 'FCUK KHAN.' Surrey County Council, Kent County Council, Essex County Council, Hertfordshire Council, Buckinghamshire Council, and Thurrock Council have refused to sign an agreement with TfL to allow ULEZ signs within their borders, potentially creating issues for the enforcement of fines.

Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman, also 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. Several local authorities bordering London have expressed concerns about the financial impact of ULEZ on their residents and have refused to sign agreements with TfL. This situation could result in a flood of driver complaints and appeals against fines.

TfL assures that all necessary signage and information will be in place for the enforcement of the ULEZ scheme. They expect drivers to be aware of the standards and boundaries, holding non-compliant drivers liable for the charge and penalties for non-payment. National Highways has worked with TfL to provide advance warning of the expanded ULEZ, and a comprehensive communication campaign has been conducted to raise awareness of the scheme.

FutureCar Staff