Ulez expansion supported by London's Mayor amidst growing motorist discontent

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【Summary】London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, defends the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) in the face of protests and backlash from motorists. He emphasizes that the policy is not anti-car and highlights that the majority of cars in outer London are already compliant. The expansion aims to improve air quality, particularly in areas with higher death rates linked to pollution. Khan also announces financial support for scrapping non-compliant vehicles.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 6:59 AM PT

Ulez expansion supported by London's Mayor amidst growing motorist discontent

On the first day of the new charges for London's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), Mayor Sadiq Khan has defended the expansion, stating that it is not "anti-car" or "anti-motorist." He emphasized that the policy aims to clean the air in the city, and the majority of cars seen driving in outer London are already compliant with the new regulations.

For Mayor Khan, the battle against emissions is personal, as he suffers from adult-onset asthma. While some political opponents believe the Ulez goes too far, others argue that it doesn't go far enough in reducing traffic smog.

The £12.50 ($15.70) daily levy for non-compliant vehicles now affects those living in the outer boroughs of London, where people are more reliant on cars and have lower incomes. However, residents in these areas will not face any additional fees or restrictions, but will still benefit from cleaner air.

Mayor Khan acknowledged that there are a small number of non-compliant cars that will be affected by the Ulez expansion. To address this, he announced financial support for every driver in London with a non-compliant car or motorbike, as well as small businesses with vans and charities with minibuses, to help them scrap their vehicles.

The expansion of the Ulez has been justified by the benefit it brings to residents in outer boroughs, which have the highest number of deaths linked to air pollution. Analysis conducted by the mayor's office suggests that poorer Londoners and those from immigrant communities are more likely to live in areas with worse air quality.

Despite the Ulez expansion, no Londoners will live in areas that meet the tougher new World Health Organisation guidelines for air quality. Professor Frank Kelly from Imperial College London, who has studied air pollution science for three decades, believes that the Ulez expansion alone will not be sufficient in the long term. He suggests that additional measures will be needed to meet the WHO guidelines.