ULEZ: Fake signs spotted in Home County, taking users to content including the Wombles theme tune

Fake Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) signs have been spotted in one of the Home Counties bordering London, featuring QR codes taking users to content including the Wombles theme tune.

Hertfordshire County Council has warned drivers not to engage with the ULEZ signs, as the authority continues to prevent Transport for London (TfL) erecting official signage on its land.

A spokesperson said signs have so-far been removed from Rickmansworth and Croxley Green.

The QR codes included on the signs have reportedly taken users to a number of online locations, including fraudulent ULEZ payment sites, explicit adult content and the theme tune of the Wombles.

Cllr 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.”

Cllr Bibby added the council’s stance on the ULEZ, expanded by mayor Sadiq Khan on August 29 to cover all of greater London, remains unchanged, and that the authority wishes to see the boundary redrawn inwards. 

A TfL spokesperson said: “Vandalism on our network is unacceptable and all incidents are reported to the police for investigation. Vandalism of ULEZ infrastructure will not stop the scheme operating London-wide.

“Nine in ten cars seen driving on an average day in outer London are already compliant with ULEZ and don’t have to pay the charge. Unfortunately scammers are trying to take advantage of those who do need to pay the charge with fake payment websites.

"TfL is working urgently with internet companies and the police to address these websites and we urge all customers to only use the official TfL website.”