How to appeal a ULEZ PCN from Transport for London
Updated 20 September 2026 · By the AppealGo team
Short answer
A ULEZ penalty charge notice is £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days, and Transport for London sends it to the registered keeper. Make representations to TfL within 28 days, and if TfL rejects them, appeal free to London Tribunals within 28 days. TfL accepts that the daily charge was paid, that the vehicle meets the emissions standard or is exempt, that the vehicle in the image is not yours (for example cloned plates), or that you were not the keeper on that date.
| Penalty | £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days (vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes) |
|---|---|
| Daily charge | £12.50 for a non-compliant car, van or motorcycle |
| Representations to TfL | Within 28 days of the PCN |
| Appeal | London Tribunals, within 28 days of a Notice of Rejection; free |
| Where it applies | All of Greater London, every day except Christmas Day |
The Ultra Low Emission Zone covers all of Greater London, 24 hours a day, every day except Christmas Day. Drive a non-compliant vehicle inside it without paying the £12.50 daily charge and Transport for London will send the registered keeper a £180 PCN, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. Because the zone is enforced entirely by cameras, mistakes happen, and TfL cancels a meaningful number of ULEZ PCNs on representations.
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Check my noticeGrounds TfL accepts
- You paid the charge. Check your receipt or Auto Pay statement against the date on the PCN. Payment for the wrong day or the wrong registration is a common cause, and TfL will often accept evidence of a genuine attempt to pay.
- Your vehicle is compliant. TfL's checker relies on DVLA data, which is sometimes wrong for imports, older diesels and modified vehicles. A manufacturer's Certificate of Conformity or a letter confirming the Euro emissions standard can overturn the PCN.
- Your vehicle is exempt or has a grace period. Historic vehicles over 40 years old in the historic tax class, vehicles in the disabled or disabled passenger tax class during their grace period, wheelchair-accessible private-hire vehicles, London licensed taxis and certain community vehicles are exempt or discounted.
- The vehicle in the image is not yours. Cloned plates are a growing problem. Compare the photo carefully, report cloning to the police, and send TfL the crime reference.
- You were not the keeper on the date, because the car had been sold or was on hire. Send the V5C or the hire agreement.
- The PCN was served late or contains errors. TfL must serve within the statutory period and get the details right.
How to make representations
- Use the PCN number and registration to view the images on TfL's website, and save them.
- Make representations within 28 days using TfL's online form or in writing, choosing the ground and attaching evidence.
- If TfL sends a Notice of Rejection, appeal to London Tribunals within 28 days. The appeal is free and can be decided on the papers, by phone or in person.
If you have several ULEZ PCNs from the same period, TfL will usually consider them together. Set out the full list in one submission.
Common questions
How long does TfL take to respond to ULEZ representations?
Typically a few weeks, sometimes longer when volumes are high. The PCN is on hold while representations are being considered, so the discount is not lost while you wait, and TfL re-offers it if it rejects you.
Can I appeal a ULEZ PCN if I am not from London?
Yes. The process is the same wherever you live, and the whole thing can be done online. Drivers visiting from outside London who did not know the zone had expanded are among the most common appellants.
Does a ULEZ PCN affect my licence?
No. It is a civil penalty with no points and no criminal record.
Sources
Got one of these? Check it for free.
Snap a photo of the notice. We read it, tell you the grounds we found, and only charge £6.99 if you ask us to file the appeal.
Check my noticeRelated guides
This guide is general information about UK motoring penalties, not legal advice. Deadlines, amounts and procedures are set by the issuer and the regulations in force, and the notice you were sent is always the authoritative source for your own dates. See our disclaimer.
