Transport for London (TfL) has stepped up its enforcement against drivers who repeatedly fail to pay Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fines, warning that vehicles can and will be seized if charges are ignored.

Latest figures show that more than 97% of vehicles seen driving in the capital comply with ULEZ standards, but TfL says a small group of drivers continue to rack up and ignore multiple penalty charge notices (PCNs).

TfL data reveals that 94% of all outstanding UK-issued ULEZ debt comes from, "persistent evaders", those with at least four unpaid PCNs.

Between January and June this year, enforcement agents recovered around £16.5 million in unpaid charges, with more than 530 vehicles seized from non-payers. Over 350 of those were sold at auction, raising £285,000.

Examples of recent cases include:

• A driver settling £6,800 in unpaid fines after enforcement agents tracked them to a new address.
• One evader forced to pay almost £17,000 after racking up 46 warrants.
• A vehicle linked to 88 unpaid warrants seized and later sold for £7,000.

TfL warns that enforcement can include seizing property, clamping vehicles, recovering earnings directly from employers, and even pursuing bankruptcy proceedings in extreme cases.

Alex Williams, TfL's Chief Customer & Strategy Officer, said: "With 97% of vehicles in London now ULEZ compliant, it is only a small minority who continue to ignore the rules.

"If you receive a penalty charge, do not ignore it. Your penalty will progress to enforcement agents, and your vehicle or property could be removed.

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"If you're struggling financially, engage with our staff instead – we can consider your circumstances and work with you. Persistent evasion will not be tolerated."

The Mayor of London expanded the ULEZ to cover all of London in August 2023 to tackle air pollution, traffic congestion and the climate emergency.

According to TfL, nitrogen dioxide levels on London's roads are now an estimated 27% lower than they would have been without the scheme.

READ MORE: Planned roadworks taking place across Richmond this week.

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