26 Oct 2023
Since the introduction of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone in August 2023, highways officers from Hertfordshire County Council have been made aware of and removed fake ULEZ signs.
The fake signage, placed in various locations across the county displays a QR code which if activated leads people to fraudulent ULEZ payment sites, explicit adult content or in some cases, the theme tune to the Wombles!
Hertfordshire County Council does not permit any ULEZ signage within the county and motorists are reminded that official Transport for London (TfL) signage in London does not contain QR codes and payment for entering the zone in a non-compliant vehicle should always be made via the TfL website: Ultra Low Emission Zone - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
Councillor Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport said:
“Scammers will always find new ways to try and con people out of their hard-earned money, and using fake ULEZ signage to direct people to fraudulent sites seems to be the latest wheeze.
“We urge drivers or pedestrians not to access the QR codes on these signs and to report them to us if they see them as they go about their day to day lives. We’ll take action to remove them and work with our partners to try and bring the culprits to account.”
“Hertfordshire’s stance on the Mayor’s ULEZ remains the same, we will not permit TfL signs in the county and believe that TfL should redraw the boundary inwards and warn motorists of the impending zone inside London.”
Members of the public wishing to report fake signage can do so online at: What type of fault are you reporting? | Hertfordshire County Council
1, Signs have been located and removed from Rickmansworth and Croxley Green to date.
2, An example of the fake signage is attached – we would ask that news desks blur or alter the QR code if republishing.
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