Ulez: Thousands repeatedly rejected grant funding to help scrap old vehicles

Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan extended Ulez in August of this year

PA
Dan Falvey

By Dan Falvey


Published: 28/11/2023

- 20:37

Updated: 28/11/2023

- 20:56

Those who drive non-compliant vehicles must pay £12.50 every day

Londoners applying for help to upgrade their cars to comply with Sadiq Khan's Ulez restrictions are repeatedly being denied grant funding.

New data from the Transport for London (TfL) reveals that more than 12,000 people compelted applciations on multiple occaions only to be rejected each time.


The information came to light as part of a Freedom of Information request.

Anyone who drives a non-Ulez compliant car vehicle must pay a £12.50 daily charge when driving in any Greater London borough.

WATCH: The hidden cost of the Ulez expansion

Khan introduced a £160million scrappage scheme earlier this year that would allow for those who drive impacted cars to apply for funding to help them upgrade their vehicle to one which complied with the eco-zone.

However, 12,493 people have submitted multiple forms for the £2,000 grant without being successful.

Ordinary Britons have explained how the daily Ulez charge has crippled them financially.

TfL says that it has only rejected applications from those who have not presented adequate proof of sole trader status, out-of-date insurance certificates, or incomplete vehicle log books.

Latest Ulez backlash:

A Ulez sign

The Ulez was expanded on August 29 of this year

PA

A TfL official said: "We aim to accept or decline scrappage applications within 10 working days and have a robust process in place to verify the documents we receive as part of our measures to guard against fraud.

"The application process can take longer if we need to undertake additional verification procedures, such as to further check required documents or to request additional documentation."

They added: "We seek to contact unsuccessful applicants and offer support and guidance to re-submit their applications or provide the additional documentation or evidence as required."

So far Khan claims £120million in funding has been dished out to applicants.

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