Motorists are unlikely to be best pleased by the news that London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants to expand the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) once again, this time taking in the whole of the Greater London area.
However, Khan will say that he is doing it with the interests of Londoners in mind, as we become increasingly aware of the damage that pollution can cause to our health.
The Mayor was faced with the other options of imposing a Greater London boundary charge, which was unpopular among those in government, or a standard £2-a-day “clean air charge” on all petrol and diesel cars driving in London.
Mr Khan said: “The triple challenges of tackling toxic air pollution, the climate emergency and congestion mean we need to further reduce emissions from vehicles in London. We simply don’t have time to waste.
“In weighing up the different options, the rising cost of living was a key consideration for me. Because at a time when people’s budgets are under pressure, I’m not willing to ask people to pay more unless I’m absolutely convinced it’s justified to save lives and protect the health of Londoners.
RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “Expanding the Ulez is preferable to the other charges that the mayor previously mooted, so it’s welcome he has seen sense and dropped those proposals, particularly given the cost of living crisis.
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