German visitor fined £3,150 for driving in Ulez area of ​​London

Last July my friend and her husband visited me from Germany in their German registered car. Six months later, today they received a bill for several thousand euros, because they did not pay to drive in London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez).

The fine was originally for €1,196 (£1,050), but because the letter took so long to reach them, automatically increased to €3,589. This is the first letter they've received about a fine, and they only have a few days to make the payment, or they risk incurring even more charges.

This couldn't have happened at a worse time. My friend's husband is in remission from cancer and he can't afford it.

Before paying we try to find out if it is a legitimate fine and why it is so absurdly high. Was their vehicle accidentally misclassified because that can't be a normal fine for someone who once drove into the area?

KR, London< /p>

I suspect many similar shocking letters have landed on European doormats. Indeed, European Parking Collections, the company that Transport for London (TfL) uses to carry out the pursuits abroad on its behalf, has recently obtained access to the contact details of vehicle holders for France, Germany and the Netherlands.

It apparently started issuing such letters for trips made up to a year ago.

What is less clear is why he demands such large sums. As you say, €3,500 to drive once in a low emission zone is ridiculous. TfL declined to say why it was so important.

However, and luckily for your friends, it agreed to cancel it. It says European drivers arriving in London should contact TfL's inquiries service to provide proof that their vehicle is compliant. Diesel cars registered before 2015 usually aren't.

The Ulez is being expanded at the end of August, so beware if you're planning on heading to London or if you have friends visiting.