Ulez expansion: Sadiq Khan accuses ministers of ‘weaponising air pollution’
The government is “weaponising air pollution and climate change” by not supporting the expansion of the capital’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez), the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has claimed
Ahead of Tuesday’s rollout of the expansion of Ulez to all London boroughs, Khan expressed his “disappointment” at the lack of government financial support for the policy, and its accompanying scrappage scheme, unlike those run in some other cities in England.
The mayor told PA media: “It was this government that gave financial support to cities like Bristol, Birmingham and Portsmouth towards their clean air zones. If clean air is right for them then why isn’t clean air right for London?
“Why has the government given no support to London? I am disappointed at the lack of support from the government. I am disappointed that they seem to be weaponising air pollution and climate change.”
Ulez will be expanded to include the whole of the capital on Tuesday, reportedly becoming the world’s largest pollution charging area.
Those who drive in the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards will be required to pay a £12.50 daily fee or risk a £180 fine, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
A £160m scheme run by Transport for London (TfL) enables residents, small businesses, sole traders and charities scrapping non-compliant cars to claim grants.
A government spokesperson said of Khan’s accusations: “Both transport and air quality are devolved to London, which is why they are the direct responsibility of the mayor of London.
“In fact, the government has provided TfL £6bn since 2020 to keep public transport moving and almost £102m for projects specifically targeted to help tackle air pollution.”
Some opponents of the Ulez expansion claim the policy is aimed at generating money for TfL and criticised the mayor for introducing it during the cost of living crisis.
Khan said: “I am quite clear in relation to the evidence I have seen that the consequences of air pollution is heartbreaking when you have spent time with a bereaved mum.
“It’s really heartbreaking when you get an in-patients ward and see the consequences of air pollution, but also it is inspiring to see that some of these policies can transform people’s lives.”
Opposition to the Ulez expansion was cited as contributing to Labour failing to take the Uxbridge and South Ruislip parliamentary seat in last month’s byelection.
The government considered using legal powers to block the expansion, but ministers dropped the plan after receiving legal advice it would probably fail if challenged in court, the Daily Telegraph has previously reported.
The Labour leader, Keir Starmer, has previously said Khan “had to take action” due to the legal requirement on him to improve London’s air quality, and that the mayor was “between a rock and a hard place on this”.
A Conservative party spokesperson said on Sunday: “The Labour mayor of London is going out of his way to raise taxes on hardworking people by pressing ahead with his crippling Ulez tax – with full backing from Keir Starmer and his frontbench.
“It is disappointing, but not at all surprising, that a Labour politician has left a black hole [in] TfL’s finances and Labour frontbenchers now expect millions of families to foot the bill with an exorbitant £12.50 daily charge.
“The Ulez expansion is not necessary. Sadiq Khan and the Labour party should listen to Londoners and scrap the expansion immediately.”
Anti-Ulez vigilantes have repeatedly targeted enforcement cameras installed in the new areas in recent months, cutting camera wires or completely removing the devices.
To comply with Ulez standards, petrol cars must generally have been first registered after 2005, while most diesel cars registered after September 2015 are also exempt from the charge.