A cunning motorist who thought they'd outsmarted London's Ultra Low Emission Zone system by simply removing their number plate has been dramatically caught out after cameras captured their brazen manoeuvre.
The driver's clever ruse unfolded on the A40 near the Hanger Lane gyratory in West London, where they were filmed casually taking off their registration plate while stationary at traffic lights. Little did they know that ULEZ cameras were watching their every move.
The Camera Never Lies
Transport for London's sophisticated camera system didn't just capture the vehicle - it recorded the entire number plate removal process, creating undeniable evidence of the attempted deception. The system's advanced technology can track vehicles even when registration plates are obscured or missing.
"This case demonstrates that our cameras don't just photograph number plates," explained a TfL spokesperson. "They monitor vehicle movements and behaviours, ensuring nobody can cheat the system designed to clean up London's air."
Hefty Consequences for Clean Air Cheats
The driver now faces significant penalties for their actions:
- A £180 ULEZ charge for entering the zone with a non-compliant vehicle
- Additional fines for driving without displayed registration plates
- Potential points on their driving licence
- Possible investigation for attempting to pervert the course of justice
This isn't an isolated incident either. Authorities have noticed increasing attempts to evade the £12.50 daily charge, with some drivers using everything from fake plates to sophisticated electronic jammers.
Why ULEZ Enforcement Matters
The Ultra Low Emission Zone, which expanded across all London boroughs in August 2023, aims to reduce toxic air pollution that contributes to thousands of premature deaths annually. The system relies on automatic number plate recognition cameras that check vehicles against compliance databases.
Police have warned that attempting to evade ULEZ charges could result in criminal prosecution rather than just civil penalties, especially when it involves deliberately removing or altering registration plates.
As this driver discovered, when it comes to beating the ULEZ system, there's no such thing as a free ride - and the cameras are always watching.
