TfL seeks £1bn from carmakers over Ulez compliance
Transport for London alleges that manufacturers made false representations regarding diesel emissions, depriving the capital of revenue.
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Named TfL barrister, spokesperson, and FT source provide multiple corroborated details, boosting trust.
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Quotes from TfL and carmakers, clear figures, and explanation of ULEZ relevance enhance craft.
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Transport for London is pursuing a potential £1bn legal action against car manufacturers over vehicles it argues should not have been allowed to drive freely in the capital’s clean-air zone. The agency alleges that polluting diesel vehicles were able to enter the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) without paying the required levy. This scheme, which launched in 2019, expanded to cover every London borough in 2024.
Allegations of negligence and fraud
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The High Court heard that TfL is making allegations of fraud and negligence against several manufacturers, including Stellantis, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and Nissan. Lawyers for TfL argue that vehicles which should have been subject to the £12.50 daily charge entered the zone without paying. This has deprived TfL of revenue and undermined efforts to improve air quality across the capital.
The representations were false, made dishonestly or recklessly, alternatively negligently, and caused TfL loss
Laurence Page, TfL barrister
Impact of parallel litigation
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The legal proceedings were paused following a recent verdict in a parallel dieselgate case. That litigation sought to prove manufacturers used devices to mask nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution levels. While the High Court recently rejected most allegations in that case, lawyers are currently considering an appeal. TfL has been granted a stay on its own claim until October while those separate claims proceed.
Lawyers representing the carmakers stated that TfL's claims carry potentially far-reaching consequences but argued that the agency has provided no proper details or particulars. A TfL spokesperson said the Ulez remains a key mechanism for improving air quality in London. The court indicated that the current claims will remain stayed while vehicle owners pursue separate claims against manufacturers.
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