Despite “overwhelming” resistance, the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) will be expanded to cover all of London, as revealed by the mayor.
Beginning on August 29th, drivers of the most polluting vehicles will be required to pay £12.50 per day to enter the Greater London Authority.
A public consultation revealed that 80% of impacted residents opposed the expansion of the zone.
However, Sadiq Khan asserts that five million additional individuals will benefit from better air.
The ULEZ has been transformative thus far, decreasing dangerous pollution levels in central London by nearly half,” said Mr. Khan.
However, there is still much too much hazardous air pollution, which permanently damages the health of young Londoners and causes thousands of premature deaths year, the most of which occur in the outer London boroughs.
Under the 2019-implemented policy, cars are paid to enter the area within London’s north- and south-circular orbital roads, although the fee is not applied to the entire metropolis.
ULEZ residents with non-compliant vehicles are not excluded from daily fees.
The mayor’s office estimates that approximately 200,000 non-compliant vehicles are regularly driven in London and expects this number to swiftly decrease.
60% of those who responded to the public consultation over the expansion proposals were opposed, with 70% of Outer London residents and 80% of Outer London workers opposed.
Greater London Authority (GLA) Conservatives characterized resistance as “overwhelming” and “staggering” and criticized the mayor for the timing of the plans.
“Now is not the time to impose a £12.50 daily cost-of-living fee on Londoners. Residents have made their opposition to the ULEZ expansion quite plain to the mayor. The mayor must heed their concerns, abandon these proposals, and invest the $250 million saved in serious steps to combat air pollution “said transport spokesperson Nick Rogers.
Some Outer London MPs have noted that public transportation there is less reliable and efficient than in other areas of the capital.
Mr. Khan stated that the rising expense of living was a “major concern” for him, adding that efforts are in place to mitigate the impact on drivers.
Expanding the ULEZ to all of London was “not an easy decision,” he noted, but “in the end, public health trumps political expediency.
There will be an expanded scrappage scheme budget of £110 million, and individuals who scrap more polluting vehicles will also receive travel cards. According to the plans, disabled motorists will be granted a grace period until 2027.
Additionally, City Hall stated that bus networks in Outer London would be enhanced.
The Federation of Small Businesses, which opposes any expansion of the ULEZ, feels that many of its members in Outer London will be adversely affected.
Linda Quayle, who owns a bridal boutique in Bexley Village, which will fall under the expanded ULEZ, is among those affected.
She told, “It will be a living nightmare.”
“Most of my customers drive, and with this ULEZ fee, they just will not bother.
She stated, “There is no way around it to reach me.” “Having survived lockdown, the last thing I need now is this.”
Motoring organizations say it unfairly penalizes motorists.
Brian Gregory, head of policy at the Alliance of British Drivers, stated that Mr. Khan was incorrect regarding the scheme’s positive effects on public health.
“His entire rationale for expanding the ULEZ zone based on public health does not withstand scientific scrutiny.
TfL (Transport for London) has a massive budget deficit, and Mayor Khan is attempting to fill it by whatever means possible.
Mr. Gregory added that he thought some activists would pursue legal action to thwart the plans.
“I believe Mr. Khan could very well face legal difficulties in the future,” he said.
