Traffic brought to standstill by tractors in protest

author: FutureCar Staff    

Protesters in London caused a traffic standstill as they voiced their opposition to the expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (Ulez) in the city. The demonstration took place at Orpington War Memorial in south east London, where tractors, a taxi, and a three-wheel car were seen circling a roundabout. Starting from August 29, the Ulez will cover the entire city, requiring drivers in outer London to pay a daily fee of £12.50 if their vehicles do not meet emissions standards.

Among the protesters were Alex Hart, 65, and his wife Cheryl Hart, 61, who expressed concerns about having to spend up to £40,000 to replace their car. Mr. Hart, who owns a diesel Volvo C30, said he had never protested before but felt compelled to do so now. He explained that he had been encouraged by the government to buy a diesel car for its environmental friendliness, only to be told to get rid of it now. The couple faces the prospect of being without a car or having to pay an unjust tax.

Another protester, Michael Hughes-Nurse, 88, relies on his 23-year-old Rover to transport his arthritic wife. He stated that they cannot afford to change their car, which is in excellent condition, and believes that the Ulez expansion will affect many commercial and van owners. Angela Allen, a 60-year-old resident of Beckenham, also participated in the protest, questioning why she should get rid of her well-maintained 18-year-old diesel BMW.

John Mulholland, 58, expressed concerns that his vehicle would become non-compliant if the Ulez policy continues to expand. He described the Ulez as a money grab and predicted that it would not stop with the current expansion. The article also mentions that Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer have raised doubts about the Ulez expansion, suggesting alternative approaches to tackling air pollution.

In response to the criticism, London Mayor Sadiq Khan defended the decision to expand the Ulez, emphasizing the need to improve air quality and prevent premature deaths caused by toxic air. A spokesperson for the mayor highlighted that the majority of cars in outer London are already compliant and will not be subject to the charge. They also mentioned the mayor's scrappage scheme, which will be expanded to assist all Londoners affected by the Ulez. The spokesperson noted that the Ulez has been effective in reducing air pollution in central London and that any revenue generated will be reinvested in public transport.

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FutureCar Staff