ULEZ Cameras Inaccurate
Discussion
Due to changes to the ULEZ boundaries two cars that I own now require payment every time I drive them (or not as the case may be). I have owned the cars quite a while, are quite attached to them and don't drive them that often so decided to keep them and pay for the mayor's extravagances whenever I take them out.
A few weeks ago I noticed on my account I had been charged even though I hadn't driven my car. I was charged because the cameras caught it on the back of a car transporter. Refund issued after appeal.
Today I noticed I had been charged for the other car. This car has been sealed up in its Permabag for the winter and can't possibly have been caught on a camera.
Checking the TfL site there was a picture of a Fiat with numberplate Y6GOA. I own a Renault V6GOA. Not that dissimilar.
On speaking to TfL they said that the cameras are only 95% accurate and although they agreed to a refund this may happen again. They also explained that if a number plate is partially obscured (by an adjacent car) then the cameras will charge the owner of the shortened registration - eg. if the V of my plate was obscured then 6 GOA could be charged.
I've never had issues with any ANPR system before so why is ULEZ allowed to operate a substandard system - is there anything I can do (sensible answers only please)
A few weeks ago I noticed on my account I had been charged even though I hadn't driven my car. I was charged because the cameras caught it on the back of a car transporter. Refund issued after appeal.
Today I noticed I had been charged for the other car. This car has been sealed up in its Permabag for the winter and can't possibly have been caught on a camera.
Checking the TfL site there was a picture of a Fiat with numberplate Y6GOA. I own a Renault V6GOA. Not that dissimilar.
On speaking to TfL they said that the cameras are only 95% accurate and although they agreed to a refund this may happen again. They also explained that if a number plate is partially obscured (by an adjacent car) then the cameras will charge the owner of the shortened registration - eg. if the V of my plate was obscured then 6 GOA could be charged.
I've never had issues with any ANPR system before so why is ULEZ allowed to operate a substandard system - is there anything I can do (sensible answers only please)
Not really, it sounds like you have autopay set up so just keep an eye on your account and dispute anything you're not happy with. It's not ideal but just seems to be how things are these days.
On the other hand, I've not been charged for at least two trips into the zone so their dodgy, not fit-for-purpose set up goes in both directions.
On the other hand, I've not been charged for at least two trips into the zone so their dodgy, not fit-for-purpose set up goes in both directions.
lambeth said:
I've never had issues with any ANPR system before so why is ULEZ allowed to operate a substandard system - is there anything I can do (sensible answers only please)
I suspect all ANPR has a similar level of accuracy, but for the London ULEZ the total number of cars is so much higher that there is a greater chance of a car with a similar numberplate being picked up.It's ok as long as the car is obviously different as it will always get cancelled once a human is involved. However given how numberplates are allocated, particularly to fleet cars, it won't be long before the owners of two identical grey Vauxhall Astras with slightly different numberplates get a good sad face story about getting wrongly charged in the tabloids....
lambeth said:
They also explained that if a number plate is partially obscured (by an adjacent car) then the cameras will charge the owner of the shortened registration - eg. if the V of my plate was obscured then 6 GOA could be charged.
I've seen an example of this happening, with the photos. jurbie said:
Not really, it sounds like you have autopay set up so just keep an eye on your account and dispute anything you're not happy with. It's not ideal but just seems to be how things are these days.
On the other hand, I've not been charged for at least two trips into the zone so their dodgy, not fit-for-purpose set up goes in both directions.
Ditto here .. they missed 2 ULEZ and 1 cong charge over the last 3 weeks .. only 1 ULEZ caught :-) happy me On the other hand, I've not been charged for at least two trips into the zone so their dodgy, not fit-for-purpose set up goes in both directions.
Must admit was most happy last weekend as went to see ABBA .. 1st off managed to get a free space on the road just round the corner from the event and then after checking a few days later - no ULEZ charge ... nice. ABBA was excellent too !
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