A new survey conducted by Regit suggests many motorists remain unclear on how London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone works, despite the scheme now being firmly established.
Just 23% of respondents said they were very familiar with ULEZ charges, while 47% did not correctly identify that drivers need to check their status and pay manually if required. Meanwhile, 79% said they were concerned about being fined by mistake because of unclear rules or a lack of reminders.
The findings suggest the issue is no longer simply awareness of ULEZ, but whether drivers properly understand what action they need to take.
In response, Regit has launched a targeted awareness campaign at 11 motorway service areas on key routes into London, utilising 53 digital screens, urging drivers to check their ULEZ status before continuing their journey. Regit is the UK’s leading digital garage, helping more than four million motorists understand, buy, sell, maintain and run their cars more easily, including a ULEZ checker.
The aim is to reach motorists at the right moment, rather than leaving them to realise too late that they may need to pay the daily charge.
The visual campaign will initially run for two weeks; 53 digital screens across 11 motorway service stations; Beaconsfield, Birchanger Green, Clacket Lane E&W, Cobham, Heston E&W, London Gateway, Pease Pottage, South Mimms and Thurrock.
While most respondents believed they knew whether their own vehicle was compliant, only 53% correctly said motorists must check and pay manually if necessary. 31% said they were not sure, while 17% believed they would be notified automatically.
Among those who said they had been caught out by a charge, the most common reason was only realising after receiving a fine, which points to a clear gap between policy and practical communication, with too many drivers still at risk of being penalised not because they are deliberately ignoring the rules, but because the system still leaves room for confusion.
Chris Green, founder and CEO of Regit, said: “Whatever your view on ULEZ itself, motorists should not be left to navigate a system this unclear and then find out the hard way that they needed to act. There is no excuse for it. The technology exists to make this far simpler, with better reminders, clearer prompts and more timely warnings, but that is clearly not where the focus has been.
“Sadiq Khan and TfL could do far more to help drivers avoid unnecessary charges and fines if it chose to invest in clearer communication and a better user experience. Instead, too many motorists are still being left to work it out for themselves, often when it is already too late. That is not good enough.
“At Regit, we are on the side of the motorist. Our job is to help drivers stay informed, stay legal and avoid unnecessary costs, which is exactly why we have launched this campaign. If the authorities are not going to do enough to protect people from being caught out, someone has to step in and help.
Regit surveyed its own motorists for the research and the campaign reflects its wider role in helping motorists stay informed, stay legal and avoid unnecessary costs, using timely and relevant prompts to support drivers when it matters most.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, except Christmas Day (25 December). The zone operates across all London boroughs and does not include the M25. Drivers of low emission vehicles are exempt from the charge.
“The transition for the motorist switching to a vehicle with a plug can be very overwhelming and here at Regit we are here to offer simple, informative and tailored help. Our Electric Vehicle Hub offers clear advice and practical tools to help consumers make confident and informed decisions.” Chris Green, founder and CEO of Regit, commented.