Demonstrations held in central London to protest Ures expansion

Demonstrators gathered in Trafalgar Square to demand the end of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zones (Ures).

Protesters wearing yellow high-visibility jackets gathered along roads in central London, telling passing motorists to “honk your horn if you hate Urez”.

Drivers of passing vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, black taxis and buses are required to honk their horns.

The Mayor of London extended the zone to all London boroughs in August last year to improve air quality.

If a vehicle used in the Ures area does not meet the minimum emissions standards, there will be a charge of £12.50 per day.

Figures released by Transport for London in October revealed that around 60,000 car owners pay their fares every day.

Much of the demonstrators’ anger was directed at Sadiq Khan.

Messages on the placards included: “Stop lying about the toxic atmosphere,” “Stop being a slut,” and “Be careful, you’re on Candido’s camera.”

“Net Zero is a war on humanity,” another sign read.

“The average person who needs a car to get to work can’t afford one,” said Biggin Hill protester Terry Burt.

The 69-year-old retiree was holding a placard with a picture of Mr Khan with the word “liar” written across his forehead.

Burt, who lives 500 meters from the edge of the area, said he regularly holds protests to prevent new Urez infrastructure from being built in his area.

“We’re just standing there protesting, but just because we’re protesting doesn’t mean cameras can’t be installed based on health and safety regulations,” he said.

“We will resist it in every possible way.”

Khan previously said of the policy: “The decision to expand Ureth across London was a difficult one, but necessary to save lives, protect children’s lungs and prevent asthma, dementia and other health problems.

“All the evidence points to clean air zones like Ures being transformative in cities like London.”