The scheme affects London residents and commuters living in neighboring counties, such as Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, who drive into London every day.
Today marks six months since London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was rolled out.
The controversial plan introduced by London Mayor Sadiq Khan to provide clean air to the capital remains contested by some and praised by others.
Cities across the country have introduced clean air zones, including Birmingham, Bristol and Sheffield, but the expansion of the zone by the capital has made it the world’s largest pollution charge area.
Anyone who drives within the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emission standards must pay a daily charge of £12.50 or face a £180 fine, if paid within 14 days. The charge is reduced to £90.
A survey conducted by Clear Path Strategies in January-February 2024 found that half (53%) of Londoners currently support ULEZs, but were not willing to accept the policy before it applied to their area. 46% said they supported it.
However, the study does not include residents living in neighboring counties such as Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, which are affected by the ULEZ.
Many residents of these counties adjacent to London commute into the capital daily for work, and some live within the limits of the ULEZ.
While some supported cleaning the air and introducing this measure, many felt it was unfair.
Has your opinion of the plan changed?
Greatest Hits Radio spoke to Andy Jennings, a member of the Buckinghamshire Says No To The ULEZ Expansion Facebook group.
He said: “It costs a lot of money to do it on a regular basis, and the consultations are not just for people within the area, but have a negative impact on many people who live just outside the area who are not consulted.” I think it’s having an impact,” he said. . ”
“People outside were ignored. People’s lives have changed, but the congestion charge hasn’t changed either, so I don’t think the congestion has changed.”
“The only exception to aid was given to people inside London who were receiving support that was not available to people traveling outside the M25 because they did not consult people outside the M25. ”
Mr. Jennings opposed the plan, but instead argued for a better-developed plan that would benefit the majority.
He said: “Let’s use that money to improve the rail network, halve ticket prices, so people can say, ‘In fact, instead of being punished for driving, you’re being rewarded for not driving into London. Because you might think, ‘Yes, there is.’
“We need to get serious about the environment. It’s the right thing to do, but we need to do it in a way that’s fairer and makes more sense. I think they need to put a little more effort into the job.” “
What are the groups supporting the plan saying?
Founded in London in 2017, Mums for Lungs campaigns for cleaner air for the health of children and adults.
Greatest Hits Radio interviewed founder Jemima Hartshorne.
She said: “We know that we have so much toxic air pollution that children are growing up with stunted lungs, and that this is caused and made worse by air pollution. ” he said.
“The main source of air pollution in London is road transport, particularly diesel cars. ULEZ and its extension across London will therefore reduce air pollution by taking the most polluting cars off the roads. It was an important step forward.”
“Hundreds of parents are reaching out to us, emailing us, talking to us, telling us about their children in the hospital who need inhalers.”
“People who grow up with a lifetime of air pollution are more likely to have heart and lung problems.”
Just as Andy Jennings was able to see the benefits of cleaner air while opposing ULEZ, Hartshorne pointed out some of the downsides of the plan and areas for improvement. .
“We understand that some people will be harmed by such a relatively blatant policy, but on the flip side, people living outside London should be able to benefit from cleaner air. ”
“The real problem in this situation is that central government is not supporting people outside London to participate in the scrappage scheme, and that’s the unfairness here.”
“We need cleaner cars, but we also need to enable people to travel more sustainably and affordably. Cars are incredibly expensive in this country. ”
“It shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to visit family in Manchester.”
What was the Mayor of London’s reaction?
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “London currently has the largest clean air zone of its kind in the world and 95% of vehicles on London’s roads are compliant. You don’t have to pay a penny.”
“The Mayor said the decision to extend the zone across London was not an easy one, but it is important to note that the decision to extend the zone across London was not an easy one, but it is important to note that the decision to extend the zone across London was not an easy one, but we are fighting against the toxic air pollution that impairs children’s lung function and increases their risk of developing asthma, dementia and heart disease. I made it clear that I needed to work on it.”
“Sadiq is committed to supporting all Londoners and millions of pounds of Scrap Scheme support remains available for the small number of people who still drive non-compliant cars. We have added a further £50m to our decommissioning plan, bringing the total to £210m.”
“The Mayor is transforming travel outside London by adding an extra 4 million kilometers to the bus network with the Superloop, and has launched a targeted national waste plan to ensure everyone can benefit from clean air. We continue to urge the government to provide funding.”
What is the government’s view?
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “The Mayor’s job is to justify the expansion of the ULEZ and explain whether it is fair to charge people in non-compliant vehicles £12.50 every time they drive in London.” said.
Additionally, the government has “provided TfL with more than £6.6 billion since 2020 to keep public transport running” and has “encouraged the use of government grants to cover the cost of the Mayor’s ULEZ expansion”. It is prohibited,” he added.
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