London ULEZ expansion on the cards as consultation launches
A consultation has been launched on the extension of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Under proposals from the Mayor of London, the ULEZ would cover the whole of Greater London from August 29, 2023.
The ULEZ originally covered the same area of central London as the congestion charge zone, before expanding to cover all streets within the North and South Circular Routes. If further planned expansion continues into next year, the AA estimates that around a third of car owners in the newly affected area would be barred from the road.
In a consultation document, Sadiq Khan wrote: “We simply have no time to waste. The climate emergency means we only have a small window of opportunity left to cut harmful emissions to help save the planet. Toxic air pollution still permanently damages the lungs of young Londoners and leads to thousands of premature deaths each year.
The move would be supported by an expanded scrappage program to encourage people to get rid of their older, polluting vehicles and seek other options such as public transport or car clubs. This scrappage program would not only support the purchase of new cars, but also encourage the use of walking, cycling and public transport.
Khan also stressed the need to help low-income households, people with disabilities and charities purchase ULEZ-compliant vehicles and introduce exemptions where appropriate.
The Mayor added: “Experts believe that a new form of road user pricing will have to be part of the solution to tackling the triple challenge of air pollution, the climate emergency and traffic congestion. traffic.
“This could include removing existing charges, such as the congestion charge, and replacing them with a road user charging system that uses more sophisticated technology to make it as simple and fair as possible for Londoners.
“TfL is still many years away from being ready to implement such a scheme, but we would like Londoners to share their views to help us shape any potential plans going forward.”
Looking to go electric? Here are the best electric cars on sale…