Ulez Pushed Me to Scrap My Car, but TfL is Delaying My Progress | Motoring Woes

Living in the newly expanded ultra-low emission zone has presented its challenges for me. My 19-year-old car is not compliant, so I decided to apply for a grant under Transport for London’s scrappage scheme to replace it. However, I have faced numerous obstacles throughout the application process, resulting in multiple rejections. The reasons for refusal have ranged from the vague to the ridiculous.

The first rejection stated that my V5C document was incomplete. Seeking clarification, I discovered that while the scan included the entire page, it failed to show the edges of the paper.

In the second rejection, I had scanned my insurance documents, but some of the pages lacked the company logo. The third rejection was based on incorrect information, claiming that my car had a Statutory Off-Road Notification (Sorn) and was not taxed. This mistake could have been easily verified by checking the DVLA website. Additionally, the remaining rejections were due to my V5C being in my maiden name. I had previously discussed this matter with TfL customer services and was advised to submit my marriage certificate with the application. Unfortunately, there was no designated upload space for the marriage certificate, so I had to include it in the same PDF as my V5C.

Each rejection brings forth a new reason that was not indicated in my previous applications, increasing my concern that the grant funds may run out before I can successfully secure the grant. As a result, I am forced to use my car daily to transport my daughter to school and commute to work, unable to bear the cost of the £12.50 daily charge or replace my vehicle without the grant. The worry has taken a toll on my sleep.

– JR, Kingston upon Thames

The TfL scrappage scheme offers a £2,000 grant to eligible applicants who wish to exchange their non-compliant vehicles for ones that meet Ulez standards. Although the scheme was made available to all Londoners in August, just eight days before Ulez was extended to encompass the outer boroughs, the application process has proven to be a challenge. The average turnaround time for applications is 10 working days, leaving financially strained drivers unable to replace their cars before the daily charge of £12.50 came into effect.

In your case, you submitted your application within 10 minutes of the scheme opening. Unfortunately, it took five weeks for it to be accepted, resulting in Ulez charges of over £320 during that time. Your experience highlights the inadequacy of the application process. The guidance provided fails to mention the requirement of marriage or deed poll certificates for individuals who have changed their name since purchasing their vehicle. It is astonishing that the web form does not include a section for such documentation.

This oversight has cost you an additional two weeks of charges. While the website does state that pages must be fully scanned, it fails to mention the visibility of paper edges or the necessity of a company logo on every page of insurance policies, as logos are not always present.

Other applicants have also encountered bureaucratic hurdles. Data from TfL reveals that only one-third of applications have been approved, with incomplete paperwork being the main reason for rejection.

TfL acknowledges their shortcomings in their service to you. A spokesperson stated, “We strive to accept or decline scrappage applications within 10 working days and have implemented a thorough verification process for the documents received to prevent fraud. We apologize for the delay in processing JR’s application.” I would appreciate hearing from others who have experienced difficulties in having their valid applications accepted.

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