Peugeot reveals huge takings from LEZ penalties

The huge sum was revealed in a series of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests sent to local authorities operating a low emission zone, clean air zone (CAZ) or a zero-emission zone (ZEZ), by Peugeot. Some 10 zones across the UK were found to have generated £1,044,381,971 from drivers since April 2019. Bristol City Council withheld data on the Bristol CAZ as it plans to publish this information before the end of the calendar year.

Since the expansion of London’s ULEZ almost a year ago, Transport for London (TfL) has accumulated more than £226 million in fees and fines. The London ULEZ is now the largest clean air zone in the world, having been expanded to include all 32 boroughs of the city. There are currently 13 low emission zones, clean air zones or zero-emission zones across the UK, including London.

Nine of these charge non-compliant vehicles an entry fee, with penalty charge notices (PCNs) issued to drivers who fail to pay the daily charge. The London ULEZ issued the majority of fees and fines, accounting for £875m of income generated between April 2019 when the 24-hour ULEZ was first introduced and June 2024.

From research by Peugeot last year, the London ULEZ received more than £319m from drivers between October 2021, when the ULEZ was expanded to cover the area up to the North and South Circular roads, and March 2023, through fees and PCNs.

Zones across the UK have different criteria for charging vehicle entry. London’s ULEZ requires all diesel cars and vans to meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards and petrol models to meet Euro 4 standards. Private cars entering the Bath CAZ are exempt from a charge, while vans, HGVs and private hire vehicles not meeting the required standards are subject to charges.

Eurig Druce, managing director, Peugeot UK, said:

As low emission zones continue to expand across the UK, it is clear that the future of urban mobility lies in cleaner, more sustainable transportation. To mark one year since the ULEZ expansion, we have also enhanced offers on our electric vehicles, including up to an additional £900 saving for key workers – helping drivers avoid costly ULEZ charges but also playing a vital role in reducing air pollution in our cities.

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