ULEZ to cover all of London despite “overwhelming” opposition

London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) is to be expanded to cover all of London, the mayor has announced, despite “overwhelming” opposition.

From 29 August, drivers of the most polluting cars will have to pay £12.50 a day to enter to the Greater London Authority boundary.

A public consultation found 80% of people in the affected areas were opposed the expansion of the zone.

But Sadiq Khan says five million more people will benefit from cleaner air.

“The ULEZ so far has been transformational, reducing harmful pollution levels by almost a half in central London,” Mr Khan said.

“But there is still far too much toxic air pollution permanently damaging the health of young Londoners and leading to thousands of early deaths every year, with the greatest number of deaths in the outer London boroughs.”

Under the scheme, which was introduced in 2019, drivers are charged to enter the area within London’s north and south-circular orbital roads but the charge is not applied across the capital.

People with non-compliant cars who live in the ULEZ are not exempt from daily charges.

A recent TfL report found the zone had had a limited effect on pollution levels, and some motoring groups have said they believe it unfairly penalises drivers.