Watch out for scams in Google ads

Dodgy websites are appearing at the top of Google search results, targeting drivers who are looking to pay the daily Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) charge.

Search queries on Google for ‘pay ULEZ charge’ have been found to generate sponsored search results for websites that aren’t affiliated with TfL and that could leave you vulnerable to scammers. We explain how to spot and avoid these suspicious sites.

Steer clear of dodgy ads

Source: Which? (17 Jun 2025) 

ULEZ scams: drivers targeted by dodgy websites

London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has expanded, with drivers across the capital – and those visiting – facing a daily charge of £12.50 if their car doesn’t meet the required emissions standards.

A member of the public approached us after inadvertently paying a dodgy company that appeared as 'Ulezpayservice' on their bank statement, rather than the official TfL website. Their bank later informed them that this retailer had set up a continuous payment authority (allowing them to take recurring payments) that has since been cancelled.

Here's how to spot a ULEZ scam and what to do if you've already made a payment.

ULEZ scams

Source: Which? (26 Aug 2023)

Will you be affected by the expansion of the ULEZ?

The Mayor of London plans to expand the ULEZ to all of London, including Bexley, from August this year.

The London Borough of Bexley is one of several Councils that have formed a coalition to legally challenge this decision.

This short survey will help us to have up-to-date information on the number of people who will be affected.  It is made up of eight questions and should take no longer than two minutes to complete.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Baroness O'Neill of Bexley OBE said;

"We know that our residents, businesses and visitors to our borough feel strongly about the Mayor's plan to expand the ULEZ.  

We support improvements to air quality but we do not agree that expanding the ULEZ is the best way to do this, because public transport infrastructure is poor in Bexley and many of our residents are dependent on their cars.

The ULEZ charge will hit many of our residents and businesses hard and it will discourage people from outside London from travelling into our borough.

We are keen to find out more how people will be affected by the Mayor of London’s plans. Please take the time to fill out this short survey and let us know.”

The survey does not ask you to share any identifiable personal information.

Please share the survey link with family and friends, including those who travel into Bexley for work, family or leisure reasons.

The survey will close on 23 June 2023.

Source: Bexley survey

The Mayor's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) for London

The Mayor has announced that the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be expanded across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023. 

The ULEZ in central and inner London has been very effective in rapidly reducing air pollution in those areas. The Mayor now wants to extend those benefits to outer Londoners, and set the whole of London on a path towards becoming a zero pollution city.  

The ULEZ standards are not changing – this means that if you do not currently pay the charge for your vehicle, it will remain compliant after these changes come into effect. You can check if your vehicle is affected on the TfL website, search “TfL vehicle checker”, or click below: 

Check if your vehicle is affected

The ULEZ will continue to apply 24 hours a day every day of the year except for Christmas Day (when there is no public transport).

For further detailed information visit The Mayor's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) for London website (source).

ULEZ Expansion 2023 - for coverage, discounts, penalties and map.

UPDATE: Joint statement by Hillingdon, Harrow and Bexley Councils: https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/article/10280/Joint-statement-from-Hillingdon-Harrow-and-Bexley-councils-on-ULEZ-expansion

ULEZ expansion - Check if your vehicle meets the standards

The Ultra Low Emission Zone.  The Ultra Low Emission Zone is expanding from 25 October 2021. Have you checked your vehicle? 

Check your vehicle

The ULEZ will create a single, larger zone up to the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205). The North and South Circular Roads themselves are not in the zone.  

Four out of five cars already meet the ULEZ emissions standards, but owners of older cars, motorcycles, lighter vans and minibuses need to take action. 

Cars, motorcycles, vans and other specialist vehicles (up to and including 3.5 tonnes) and minibuses (up to and including 5 tonnes) will need to meet the required ULEZ emissions standards when driving within and into the expanded zone or pay a £12.50 daily charge.  

The ULEZ will continue to operate 24 hours a day, every day of the year, except Christmas Day.  

To check that your vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards - visit https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/ulez-expansion 

Discounts and exemptions

Penalty charges for ULEZ

Guide for information (pdf)

Overview detailed map of the ULEZ expansion zone (pdf)

ULEZ road signs

Cars

Motorcycles, mopeds and more

Ultra Low Emission Zone (tfl)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

ULEZ Checker: Check Your Vehicle [external link] - (£12.50 for cars, smaller vans, motorbikes and other lighter vehicles)

Congestion Charge Zone checker [tfl link] - (You need to pay a £15 daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 07:00-22:00, every day, except Christmas Day (25 December).)