The Mayor of Croydon has said the borough could joinlegal action over the extension of Sadiq Khan’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (Ulez) charge across London.
Ulez is set to be expanded across the whole of Greater London from August, forcing around 200,000 more vehicles a day to pay £12.50 to drive in the capital.
Jason Perry, the Mayor of Croydon, issued a statement on Friday in which he promised to fight the “unfair” plan and reject Transport for London’s rollout of Ulez cameras across the borough.
Bromley, Bexley, Hillingdon and Harrow are already considering legal action in response to the policy, and have sent a joint letter to the mayor’s office seeking evidence on the lawfulness of his decision.
In a statement published on his website, Mr Perry said: “For many Croydonians, their car is the only reliable option to get around given the reduced public transport options compared with inner London.
“Punishing those who cannot afford to buy a more modern vehicle is deeply unfair and out of touch, particularly at a time when the cost of living is increasing.
“Alongside other outer London authorities, Croydon is exploring options to legally challenge this flawed expansion. We will also be resisting attempts by TfL to use our lampposts and street furniture for ULEZ signage and cameras.”
Mr Perry urged Mr Khan to “listen to Londoners, rethink this flawed policy and instead invest in improving the public transport network in outer London to make it easier for local people to make more sustainable transport choices”.
Neighbouring Sutton Council has also vowed to fight the mayor’s expansion by refusing Transport for London (TFL) access to install enforcement cameras.
The council said: “We are taking this step to send a strong signal to the mayor that he must start listening to local people.
“Though the mayor... may attempt to force this unpopular decision on the residents of Sutton, we are clear that would be the wrong thing to do.
“Sutton does not have the public transport links other boroughs rely on, like Tube and overground services. Instead, people here need cars to get around.”
The Lib Dem-controlled council said it wanted to see action on air pollution - but vowed it would not sign an agreement or cooperate with TFL.
The Mayor of London has been contacted for comment.
