A motorcyclist from Surrey who feared financial ruin after being hit with thousands of pounds in ULEZ fines has spoken of his relief – after they were suddenly cancelled. Del Hudson, 54, said the fines incurred on his 900cc motorbike could have left him with considerable money woes. He racked up the penalties in the month after the Ulez zone was expanded to cover all of London’s boroughs in August 2023.

The Hampton resident admits he misread an email about setting up his account after an initial fine. He then buried his head when his debts began to mount – and two letters were even eaten by his dog. He said he isn’t sure of the total cost – but one of the seven fines he got was for £2,000, says Surrey Live.

But the dad-of-four was ‘elated’ to hear that TfL had decided to cancel all his fines this week after being approached by SWNS, a news agency. He said: “I literally couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I jumped up into the air and shouted for joy. I was totally elated and had the happiest day I’ve had for a long time.”

Del claims he didn’t realise his 2000 Honda Fireblade was non-compliant. And upon receiving an email from TfL telling him he’d successfully registered for a London Road User Charging account last year, he was convinced he’d set up an autopay account and wouldn’t have to take any further action.

So the administration manager kept riding his motorbike and unknowingly racked up seven fines in the first month after the Ulez zone was expanded.

Mr Hudson says he eventually learned of his fines and received ‘threats’ from TfL that bailiffs could soon come to his door. He said: “I have been riding my 900cc Honda Fireblade for years. It’s an old bike, a 2000 plate. Since Covid I’ve suffered with depression and anxiety, and when ULEZ expanded last year I didn’t even think about the bike being non-compliant. I rode it one day and got a fine. I paid it and TfL told me they would take money from my card for future fines, but I must have read the email wrong.

“I kept riding the bike, thinking the money was going to come out automatically, but it didn’t and I got four more fines.”

TfL said in a statement: “We are sorry for any distress caused to Mr Hudson. Following a review of his case, it is apparent that the fines issued to him were correct and followed our standard procedures in the absence of an Auto Pay account. As a gesture of goodwill, we have cancelled the outstanding fines and have advised him on how to set up Auto Pay.”