‘Unlawful’ ULEZ signage claim struck out by court in major blow to drivers' refund hopes

An adjudicator had previously said they were not "satisfied" that the LEZ signage was lawful.

Mr Willcox used this judgement as a precedent for his latest claim.

But today, District Judge Adrian Worthington struck it out, saying it should be subject to a judicial review.

Mr Willcox, alongside Reform councillor Laila Cunningham, told GB News he intends to appeal the decision.

He said: "I’ve got to think about the grounds of my appeal — I’ve got a lot of support around me.

"This is a massively important issue, and I believe I am right."

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Former Mayor of London candidate and Fair Fuel UK's Howard Cox said he would support funding for a judicial review.

He said: “You’re looking at two or three hundred thousand pounds initially. It’s a real David and Goliath issue.”

He added: "TFL have used every devious trick in the book to screw Noel Willcox.

"Two previous court cases have shown the LEZ and ULEZ signage across London is unlawful.

"Noel had won the cases and yet TFL continue to charge motorists knowing full well that the signs are illegal.

"This is another example of two-tier justice in favour of the establishment."

Speaking outside the court, Laila Cunningham told GB News TfL's actions have been "an abuse of process".

She said: "It is rather galling that a public body should be protected from any financial implications for not following regulation or law, but the private individual does not have that protection.

"The law, only the law, should be applied. And the judge did mention those financial implications in his judgment.

"So I believe Mr Wilcox will be seeking an appeal. He did ask the judge for permission to appeal. That was refused. And it is an abuse of process also that TfL has failed to comply with any procedural deadlines throughout this, and only come now and asked to strike it out, which sadly, it was."

If Mr Willcox had won today’s case, it would’ve meant another hearing which would consider the lawfulness of the signage.

TFL said the consequences could result in hundreds of thousands of people receiving refunds for paying to drive in London in the LEZ and ULEZ zones and the suspension of the schemes.

A TfL spokesman said: "The LEZ signs were deemed lawful by the DfT in 2008 and the ULEZ signs received the same authorisation ahead of its introduction and expansions.

"Due to a processing error, the correct evidence was not supplied to the adjudicator in time in Mr Willcox's previous case.

"We welcome the judge’s decision to strike out this case."