A Bromley driver has fallen victim to a scam website which tricks drivers into making fake ULEZ payments.

Scammers have created websites that mimic TfL's official site, tricking unsuspecting drivers into paying fees that are not passed on to the transport authority.

These drivers are then fined by TfL for non-payment, despite believing they had made the correct payment.

David Kenna, from Bromley, told the BBC that he accidentally strayed into the ULEZ and paid using a website at the top of his search engine.

However, he later received a £90 fine from TfL for non-payment.

David expressed frustration and suggested that TfL should show more leniency for first-time offenders.

He argued that TfL should adopt a similar policy to the Dartford crossing, which allows drivers one free hit before imposing fines for non-payment.

David told the BBC: “The thing that annoyed us particularly was TfL had no sympathy whatsoever.

“They couldn't give a monkeys, basically.

“Nobody ever contacted us to ask about this scamming site.

"We proved we paid the fee, obviously to the wrong people.

“We just assumed they'd say 'Oh well, never mind. Pay it to us now and we'll let you off'.

"I know that with the Dartford crossing you get a free hit.

“They let you off the first one and after that you get fined if you don't pay.

“TfL obviously don't have that policy."

Scammers creating fraudulent websites that resemble official sites has become an increasingly common issue in the UK.

A TfL spokesperson told the BBC: "We are sorry to hear of any customers that may have been caught out in this way.

“Where someone has been fined in relation to one of these cases, we do look at their circumstances and do show discretion where appropriate.

"TfL has no association with third party organisations that process charges, and we work proactively with search engine companies such as Google, as well as with Advertising Standards and Trading Standards, to remove them entirely from the internet.

"We advise drivers who have been impacted by overcharging by a third party site to contact Trading Standards."

Despite the efforts of TfL to combat copycat scam websites, some drivers have voiced their frustrations with the official ULEZ payment system.

They claim that it is not user-friendly and that the scammers' websites are much easier to navigate.

However, TfL emphasized that its own website is the only legitimate place to make online payments.

The Ulez was first introduced in central London in 2019 and has recently been expanded into outer London.

Its aim is to reduce pollution levels by charging drivers with more polluting vehicles £12.

50 per day to drive within all London boroughs.

Failure to pay the charge results in fines ranging from £180 down to £90 if paid within 14 days.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Seb Dance described the copycat scam websites as "an unfortunate symptom of modern life."

According to the BBC, he acknowledged that such websites exist for various institutions and that efforts are made to remove them.

He also emphasized the importance of working with internet companies to combat these scams.