- High Court Rules London’s Ulez Expansion Legal
- Mayor of London Proceeds with Air Quality Plan
- Controversy and Reactions Surrounding Ulez Expansion
The expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) is permitted after the High Court ruled that it is legal.
Five Conservative-led councils contested the Labour mayor of London’s proposal to charge £12.50 per day for older, more polluting vehicles beginning on August 29.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, stated, “This landmark decision is good news, as it means we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London.
The leader of Surrey Council described the decision as “extremely disappointing.”
Mr. Justice Swift, the judge, ruled that the mayor’s expansion decision was “within his authority.”
He wrote: “Having carefully considered the published decision for consultation, I am persuaded that sufficient information was provided to allow those desiring to respond to the consultation to do so in an informed manner.
“Furthermore, I am satisfied that the mayor was aware of the probable provision that would be made when he decided on the grant to cover the cost of the vehicle scrappage program.
Although the consultation was not extensive, it was legal.
When and where will the Ulez expansion occur?
The Ulez currently encompasses the area between the North and South Circulars, but this ruling implies that as of the end of August, it will cover all of Greater London.
The zone initially encompassed the Congestion Charge area in central London when it was implemented in 2019, but was expanded in October 2021.
Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Surrey will comprise the new zone’s borders. On the Transport for London website, drivers can determine if their vehicles satisfy emission standards.
The UK Statistics Authority has backed City Hall’s claim that 90% of vehicles seen driving in outer London comply with Ulez standards, although it has criticized the mayor over data transparency.
Mr. Khan stated, “The decision to expand the Ulez was extremely difficult, and I did not make it lightly. I will continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have.
Today’s unequivocal ruling by the High Court enables us to continue with the difficult but crucial task of cleaning up London’s air and addressing the climate crisis.
Wednesday, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer urged the mayor to reconsider the expansion in light of the Conservatives victory in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election, which he attributed to the “impact it’s having on people.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that his administration would endeavor to achieve net zero without “unnecessarily adding costs and burdens to families.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper stated that the Ulez expansion was “about raising money” and that this was “part of the reason we received the result we did in the Uxbridge by-election.
“Londoners can see what this is, they don’t like it, and the mayor of London should listen to them.”
In February, the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, and Hillingdon, as well as Surrey County Council, filed a lawsuit.
Tim Oliver, the leader of Surrey Council, stated, “While we respect today’s court decision, we find it to be extremely disappointing.”
Colin Smith, the leader of Bromley Council, stated, “I can only apologize to the legion of families who will be forced to trade in perfectly fine cars at a significant cost they can’t afford for a newer vehicle they don’t want or need.
“We’ve done everything in our power to protect you, but today’s ruling brings the mayor one step closer to achieving his objective.”
Harrow, Surrey, and Bromley, which contested the expansion to the tune of £32,000, have affirmed they will not appeal the court’s decision.
According to multiple scientific studies, air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide can cause and exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma, as well as influence those with heart conditions.
Dr. Anna Moore, a respiratory physician at a London hospital, described Ulez as a health policy that will “improve the health of millions of Londoners.
She stated, “I witness patients suffering from the effects of toxic air every week. There is no organ in the body that air pollution does not damage.”
“Stop your expansion,”
Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at the RAC, stated, “While the principle of cleaning up London’s air is correct, it has come at a time when drivers can ill afford to replace their vehicles due to the rising cost of living.”
“This is exacerbated by new evidence indicating that drivers must pay much more than they should to acquire a compliant vehicle on the used car market.”
Steve Tuckwell, the newly elected representative for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, stated, “Last week, Uxbridge and South Ruislip sent Mayor Sadiq Khan a clear message:’stop your Ulez expansion.'”
“Londoners cannot continue to be ignored by the Labour Party, which has chosen to expand Ulez for £4,500 per year to families and businesses – a tax on carers, parents, patients, sole traders, and all hard-working Londoners.”
