TfL made changes to vehicle scrapping schemes without following due process or informing public, Ombudsman finds

The Ombudsman found that this meant people spent time applying, unaware their vehicles were no longer eligible.

The vehicle scrappage schemes were set up in 2023, allowing people in the city to receive a grant to either scrap or retrofit non-compliant vehicles ready for the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

However, the Ombudsman found TfL failed to tell people about a change it introduced to its scheme for vans and minibuses, which meant vehicles with outstanding tickets (PCNs) would not be considered unless the charges were paid or resolved.

In its scheme for cars and motorcycles, the terms were amended without notice so that it would not accept applications from vehicles previously used as licensed taxis in the year before the scheme started.

To remedy the injustice caused, the Ombudsman recommended TfL to ensure there is a “formal documented process” for determining and approving any changes to the terms and conditions of this and any similar future schemes, and to “promptly” publish any changes to such schemes on its website.

According to the Ombudsman, TfL has agreed to both recommendations.

Amerdeep Clarke, Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, said: “We recognise why Transport for London decided to update its vehicle scrappage schemes. But failing to clearly communicate these changes to potential applicants does not reflect the core principles of fair, transparent and honest public service.

“We welcome Transport for London’s commitment to publishing any future updates to these, and similar schemes, on its website, ensuring residents are properly informed if and when any changes will take effect.”

A TfL spokesperson said: “We made some changes to the ULEZ scrappage scheme to protect public money and ensure that payments were being received by those who the funding was aimed at supporting. This included making alterations to the eligibility criteria so that those who refused to settle outstanding penalty charges would not be successful in their application and grants were not available to drivers of taxis that had been licensed in the 12 months prior to the launch of the scheme.

“While these changes to the scheme were important to make, we welcome the LGO's recommendations to improve the communication and process of any rule revisions to any potential similar scheme.”

Lottie Winson