From today, 29 August 2023, London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone has been expanded and now includes outer-London boroughs. The expansion of the zone means that drivers entering outer London will be charged £12.50 a day if their vehicle does not meet emissions standards.
As many of you will know, I have actively opposed the expansion of the ULEZ scheme. While we all wish to improve air quality, the data shows this scheme will have a negligible impact on health, yet a significantly disproportionate impact on the most disadvantaged. If the Mayor really wanted to bring in changes to reduce air pollution he would work to ensure scrappage schemes were available to all who drive in and out of London, not just the people who can vote for him. He would have considered other options with less financial burden to drivers, such as bus fleet conversion to electricity and hydrogen, or he would have pressed for an even more ambitious ZEV mandate (see my campaign on this here). Or he would be encouraging greater use of public transport, not pushing up the price by scrapping daily travel cards.
ULEZ expansion doesn’t even target the areas of most pollution, notably trunk roads and the London Underground - it targets the pockets of motorists.
Reports from the weekend also show it actually targets the pockets of us all. As while I welcome the news that the impact on businesses will be mitigated through being able to claim back the cost of ULEZ charges through HMRC, this means that each and every tax payer will now be paying for Sadiq Khan’s failed financial management and resulting money grab.
I remain incredibly disappointed that this policy has now come into force despite such broad concern. There has clearly been little thought about the impact on key workers who now face higher costs to get to work. Or patients who face higher charges to access appointments. Or pensioners trying to spend time with family and loved ones across London. Or businesses inside the expanded Zone, including Heathrow airport, who may struggle to recruit as a result of this policy. Sadiq Khan does not appear to have considered any of these issues, nor the social and economic harm they could cause.
I strongly support the work that has been done by my Conservative colleagues, who have left no stone unturned in their efforts to challenge the scheme. I am aware that all but one Local Authority surrounding London, including Surrey County Council (SCC), have informed TfL that they will not permit signage and cameras relating to the expanded ULEZ while there no mitigation in place to minimise the impact of the expansion on residents.
This shows how strong the feeling is against this expansion, and I hope that the Mayor will now listen and begin to work with local authorities outside of London to mitigate the impact on residents.
I too will continue work to protect residents and mitigate the effects of the expanded ULEZ coming into force, and look to see what further action can be taken to require the Mayor to fully consult with Surrey and surrounding areas on policies that will materially affect local residents. In the immediate term, all drivers should check whether their vehicle is compliant or will face a penalty for driving into outer London, and plan each journey with care. You can check if your car is compliant here: tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/ulez-expansion-2023
