Transport for London (TfL) acknowledges issuing unlawful ULEZ fines to ten Dutch hauliers.
- The fines were imposed in foreign currency, contrary to regulatory standards.
- Legal proceedings are underway, potentially affecting other European hauliers.
- Discussions reveal additional unauthorized administrative charges on fines.
- The court decision awaits, impacting future dealings between TfL and haulage firms.
Transport for London has acknowledged imposing unlawful Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fines on a group of ten Dutch hauliers. These fines, issued in a currency other than British pounds, contravene established regulations. The Dutch haulage companies have mounted a legal challenge, seeking to overturn these penalties and recover associated court costs.
The legal challenge, launched in January, concerns fines that amount to approximately €7.5 million (£6.5 million). These were levied while the hauliers were operating within TfL’s designated charging zones in London. If successful, this case could set a precedent, prompting similar claims from other European logistics firms.
Amid extensive discussions, an update from Transport in Nood (TiN) indicated that TfL has conceded several key points, including the unlawfulness of the currency used for fines and additional administrative fees imposed without clear communication. Specifically, Euro Parking Collection, TfL’s debt collection agency, added a surcharge of at least 5% to the original amount of the fines.
Despite these admissions, the resolution remains incomplete. A joint request to the High Court seeks to formalize these acknowledged positions. However, TfL has indicated unwillingness to refund the full fines, instead proposing to return only the added charges over the original fines. This partial remedy is contested by the hauliers as insufficient, given the fines’ comprehensive unlawfulness.
TfL’s plan to issue new fines in compliance with regulations, albeit in British pounds and without extra charges, has been met with staunch opposition from the hauliers. The possibility of reissued fines remains a contentious point requiring judicial examination. The next High Court hearing on 5th November will be a crucial juncture, anticipated to clarify these disputes. TfL’s spokesperson maintains that the agreement is pending court endorsement and financial remedies remain undecided.
The upcoming court session will be pivotal in resolving the financial and legal uncertainties between TfL and the affected haulage companies.
