Technical issues plague ULEZ plate checker site as drivers rush to assess compliance with London's expanded emission zone

author: FutureCar Staff    

Transport for London's ULEZ numberplate checker website experienced technical issues today as drivers rushed to check if their cars would be subject to a £12.50 daily charge starting from midnight. The policy, introduced by Sadiq Khan, extends the air quality charging zone to the entire city, affecting thousands of drivers already struggling with the cost of living. As part of the rollout, TfL launched a website where drivers could input their registration details to determine if they would face a charge. However, this morning the website displayed a warning message indicating technical difficulties and delays. The online numberplate checker is now functioning normally.

Mr. Khan's ULEZ expansion has faced heavy criticism from some Londoners. The policy primarily targets 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, implemented in September 2015. Popular models, such as the Ford Transit Custom 310s, Volkswagen Golf SE Bluemotion Tech TDI (2014 registration), Seat Leon FR TDI (2014), Vauxhall Corsa 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 rush of people checking their vehicle compliance caused technical issues on TfL's online checker, resulting in delays. Anti-ULEZ campaigners have expressed their opposition to Mr. Khan's policy by parking a caravan covered in protest messages outside his home in Tooting. The caravan, referred to as a 'Khan-ovan of hate', criticizes the Mayor and his ULEZ policy. Despite the opposition, planners from the Greater London Authority state that the majority of cars and vans in London already meet the ULEZ standards.

Local resistance to the ULEZ plans has led to vandalism of ULEZ cameras in outer boroughs of the capital. 'Blade runners' have been cutting cables or covering the lenses with stickers that read 'FCUK KHAN'. The data shows that a significant number of cameras have been vandalized, but TfL has stated that this will not prevent the ULEZ changes from proceeding as planned. The vandalized cameras will be repaired or replaced, and over 1,900 cameras are already in place in outer London.

Motoring lawyer Nick Freeman, known as Mr. Loophole, has advised that drivers who enter the newly expanded ULEZ zones without encountering warning signs may have grounds to challenge their fines. This potential issue arises as six out of the seven local authorities bordering London have refused to sign an agreement with TfL to allow ULEZ signs within their borders. This refusal by Tory-led councils, including Surrey County Council, Kent County Council, Essex County Council, Hertfordshire Council, Buckinghamshire Council, and Thurrock Council, could create significant problems for Mayor Sadiq Khan.

TfL has stated that all the necessary signs for enforcing the ULEZ scheme will be in place and clearly marked for residents. They expect drivers to be aware of the standards and boundaries due to the signage and information available. However, motoring lawyer Nick Freeman and Edmund King, the president of the Automobile Association, have both raised concerns about the potential influx of driver complaints and challenges to fines if warnings are not adequately provided. TfL maintains that they have worked with National Highways to ensure advance warning for drivers and have conducted a major communications campaign to raise awareness about the ULEZ scheme.

FutureCar Staff