- Expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez)
- Controversy Over £12.5 Daily Charge for Non-Compliant Vehicles
- Challenges and Opinions Among London Residents
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) has been expanded to encompass all boroughs of London.
Under the controversial clean-air proposal, drivers must pay £12.5 per day to operate a non-compliant vehicle in any zone.
A £160 million scrappage program is still available to all Londoners, with a maximum offer of £2,000 per vehicle.
The scheme includes small enterprises, sole proprietors, and charities.
Transport for London (TfL) announced it would install 2,750 cameras in outer London to monitor the new zone. Nearly 70% of the total number of scheduled cameras had been installed by mid-August (1,900).
In the meantime, the Metropolitan Police Service has received hundreds of reports of criminal damage to cameras, with more than 300 of them vandalized or stolen.
Christina Calderato, director of transport strategy and policy at TfL, insisted nonetheless that the transport authority was “ready” for the expansion.
Ms. Calderato also suggested that individuals sign up for an Auto Pay account on TfL’s website so that they “will never receive a PCN (penalty charge notice)”.
Non-compliant drivers in the zone must pay £12.50 online or by phone within three days.
The penalty for nonpayment is £180, but it is reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
“My spouse has chosen to pay”
People in Bromley, south-east London, have conflicting opinions regarding the scheme.
“I have no objection to the air being made cleaner, but the price seems excessive,” says Steve Allen, 56.
He said his wife “loves” her non-compliant vehicle and pays the price every day to get to work.
He adds, “TfL has had a rather condescending attitude, and I don’t think the local councils have handled it very well either.”
The mayor is making everyone struggle’
In the meantime, a local constructor felt strongly about the mayor’s decision to expand the Ulez, stating, “I wish we could get rid of him.
Everyone has labored to find employment, and now he is causing everyone to struggle even more.
He added that he has a low opinion of the plan, but that “no one listens to the common man.”
“Part of a greater whole”
However, one woman disagreed, stating, “Climate change is a significant issue. We must implement a comprehensive set of measures, and this is merely a piece of a much larger puzzle.
“However, it has been overshadowed by the unfortunate argument that it has not been implemented in a very helpful manner for many people.”
