London could go ultra *

A consultation on plans to expand the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover almost the whole of the capital from 29 August 2023 has been launched.

BTN’s local MP Bob Blackman (Harrow East) appears to be far from happy with what is being suggested for all the outer London boroughs.

“Despite only recently expanding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) last year, Mayor Khan is determined to push through his plan of expanding the ULEZ to be London-wide, meaning residents in Harrow driving vehicles that did not meet Khan's standards would be charged £12.50 for simply popping to their local shops. Likewise, someone in a non-compliant vehicle that decided to drive through the ULEZ would also pay £12.50. This charge hits the poorest hardest, punishing those who cannot afford to purchase a newer vehicle whilst doing nothing to support those who need their vehicle to get to work or conduct their business”.

“The consultation runs until 29 July and I urge all residents to express their views on expanding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) London-wide. The consultation form should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.”

Clearly this is a heart-felt plea from an effective local MP.  On a party basis the inner boroughs are largely Labour whilst those on the periphery are mainly Conservative.  Blackman recently won a planning dispute with the Mayor regarding building flats on the Stanmore station car park, a popular rendezvous point for travellers to Wembley Stadium and close by Junction 4 of the M1.  The Stanmore plan (and next stop Canons Park) will not go ahead.

https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/cleanair?cid=clean-air

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

David Starkie, United Kingdom

The ULEZ proposal is somewhat ironic in the circumstances. Following a Financial Times investigation before Covid struck, TfL runs one of the most polluted transport operations with the deep-level UG having particulate pollution well above recommended levels.

David Tarsh, London

TfL makes nearly £1 billion from ripping off motorists with congestion and ULEZ charging so it's no surprise the mayor wants to extend it!