London's Ulez Scheme Expands to Cover Entire City

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】London Mayor Sadiq Khan is expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) to cover all of London, despite heavy opposition. Starting from Tuesday, drivers entering any part of the capital will need to pay £12.50 per day if their car does not meet emission standards. Khan argues that the expansion is necessary to improve air quality and protect public health, while critics claim it disproportionately affects motorists who already face high costs.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 12:19 AM PT

London's Ulez Scheme Expands to Cover Entire City

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is moving forward with the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) despite facing significant opposition. Starting from Tuesday, Ulez will cover all of London, requiring drivers to pay £12.50 per day if their vehicles do not meet emission standards. Khan argues that this expansion is necessary to improve air quality and prevent health issues, while critics claim that it disproportionately affects motorists who already face high costs.

Khan believes that Ulez is a game-changer in reducing toxic air pollution and protecting public health. He claims that implementing clean air zones like Ulez will help London achieve legal air quality limits years earlier than projected. However, this controversial policy has also caused a rift within the Labour Party, with Sir Keir Starmer warning against imposing environmental measures that negatively impact the most vulnerable. The recent by-election defeat in Uxbridge and Ruislip, where the Conservatives campaigned against Ulez, has further intensified the debate.

Labour's shadow minister for employment rights, Justin Madders, criticized the expansion of Ulez, calling it an "expense too many" given the current cost of living crisis. He urged Khan to consider the financial burden on individuals and whether this is the right time to proceed with the policy. The Ulez scheme utilizes cameras to detect non-compliant vehicles, issuing charges to owners. Previously, Ulez only covered areas within the North and South Circular Roads, but it will now include outer London areas such as Kingston upon Thames, Croydon, and Barnet.

Despite opposition and acts of vandalism towards Ulez cameras, Khan remains committed to the expansion. He has allocated significant funds to expand the vehicle scrappage scheme, allowing Londoners, charities, and businesses to contribute towards the purchase of new compliant vehicles. The mayor's office has received over 15,000 applications and committed nearly £6 million to support the scheme. Grants of up to £2,000 are available for individuals whose vehicles do not meet emissions standards, while small businesses and sole traders can claim up to £21,000 to replace up to three vans. Charities can receive up to £27,000 for scrapping three minibuses.

Despite the challenges, Khan is determined to proceed with the Ulez expansion, emphasizing the importance of improving air quality and dismissing conspiracy theories surrounding his policies. The Met has recorded numerous crimes related to Ulez cameras, including damaged cables, stolen cameras, and obscured devices. Nevertheless, Khan remains focused on achieving his goal of a greener and healthier London for all.