London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to expand its reach across almost all of Greater London, starting from August 29. The ULEZ aims to tackle pollution and improve air quality by charging non-compliant vehicles a daily fee of £12.50. Recently, London’s High Court ruled that the expansion of ULEZ was lawful, allowing the plan to proceed as scheduled.
The decision faced opposition from five affected local authorities, with Conservatives leading the challenge. However, their legal attempt to halt the expansion was ultimately rejected. In response to the court’s decision, Mayor Sadiq Khan commended the ruling, highlighting its potential to clean up the air in outer London.
While the mayor applauded the decision, the five local authorities expressed their disappointment and raised concerns about the moral right of the mayor to implement such a scheme. The expansion of ULEZ has become a contentious issue, with the governing Conservative Party criticizing the plan during an election campaign.
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has called for a reflection on the scheme’s impact on electoral results. As the court rejected all grounds of challenge, including claims of an unlawful public consultation and the exclusion of certain areas from a vehicle scrappage scheme, Mayor Khan intends to expand the vehicle scrappage scheme. It will now include nearly a million families receiving child benefits and small businesses with up to 50 employees.
Critics argue that the expansion of ULEZ may further burden individuals amid rising living costs. Additionally, the compliance rate of non-compliant cars in the city’s outer areas remains a topic of debate.
As the ULEZ expansion looms closer, Londoners and politicians find themselves embroiled in discussions surrounding air quality, pollution, and the economic impact of such measures. Mayor Khan remains resolute in his commitment to improving the air quality of the city, while others question the potential ramifications for both residents and businesses.
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