By Deborah Oluwumi
Air pollution poses a noteworthy challenge to the overall well-being, economy, and environment of the UK, particularly in London. Solving this issue demands collaborative actions from various parties.
Introduced in April 2019, the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) aims to discourage high-polluting vehicles from central London roads to combat pollution. The ULEZ boundaries expanded on October 25, 2021, encompassing areas within North and South Circular Roads, excluding the roads themselves. After six months, nearly 94% of zone vehicles meet strict emission standards, up from 87% before expansion and 39% from 2017. The ULEZ operates 24/7, except on Christmas Day.
After six months, nearly 94% of zone vehicles meet strict emission standards, up from 87% before expansion and 39% from 2017.”
Image Source: sky.news
The ULEZ operates 24/7, except on Christmas Day. “
Recently, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan stated his plans to expand the ULEZ to Greater London to have more clear air zones. Starting on August 29, the ULEZ expansion will necessitate a £12.50 daily fee for Londoners without Euro 4 emissions-compliant vehicles. According to Transport for London, the majority of petrol vehicles under 16 years old and diesel cars under 6 years old meet these standards, leaving trade workers with diesel vans at a disadvantage.
Current UELZ Map showing affected zones
Check the expansion map below to see the newly included zones.
Pressure mounts on London Mayor as ULEZ expands to 32 boroughs
As the ULEZ expansion looms, concerns have grown, placing Mayor Sadiq Khan under scrutiny. In an exclusive interview with Fix Radio, Khan emphasized the importance of Ulez-compliant vehicles for tradespeople, asserting that this expansion would minimize the risk of air pollution-related health issues.
Pressure mounts on London Mayor as ULEZ expands to 32 boroughs.”
Despite Khan’s claims, the Federation of Master Builders, led by Brian Berry, has challenged the Mayor to provide evidence that ULEZ expansion will reduce tradespeople’s sick days. Khan’s refusal to back down has spurred protests, with motorists demonstrating outside Downing Street and Trafalgar Square on August 5 with placards and chants of “Get Khan Out”.
Addressing the matter, the Mayor’s spokesperson stated, “Expanding the ULEZ addresses toxic air pollution, the climate emergency, and traffic congestion, particularly benefiting those most vulnerable to air pollution-related diseases.”
“Expanding the ULEZ addresses toxic air pollution, the climate emergency, and traffic congestion, particularly benefiting those most vulnerable to air pollution-related diseases.”
Furthermore, campaigners are actively pursuing strategies to contest the expansion by initiating a judicial review. A recently established campaign group called “Action Against ULEZ” is currently examining avenues to legally challenge the expansion, potentially leading to a suspension of the Mayor’s plans. This group, established through social media in the latter part of the previous year, has already garnered more than 17,000 members and continues to experience growth.
Protesters against the ULEZ Expansion 2023
Image Source: dailymail.co.uk
Uxbridge By-Election July 2023: The effect of ULEZ on the election result.
Despite Labour’s aspirations to secure victory in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, a constituency previously held by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson with a 7,210-vote majority in 2019, Conservative candidate Steve Tuckwell emerged victorious, leading by 495 votes at the last by-election held on the 20th July 2023.
As a result, numerous members of the Labour Party, including Keir Starmer, the party’s leader, attributed their defeat in the Uxbridge by-election to the ULEZ expansion plan initiated by fellow Labour Party member Sadiq Khan and they called upon Khan and those involved in the expansion scheme to contemplate their choices.
A report from BBC, based on interviews with Uxbridge residents conducted the day after the election, confirmed that the ULEZ expansion played a pivotal role in Labour Party’s by-election loss. Many residents, along with several Labour Party supporters, felt compelled to vote for any candidate opposing Sadiq Khan’s ULEZ expansion policy. This policy stance was a key position of Steve Tuckwell, the Conservative member who secured the MP seat.
Despite facing opposition from residents, certain MPs, and members within his own party regarding the ULEZ expansion scheme, Sadiq Khan remains resolute in his plan for the upcoming expansion. The pressure on Khan has been substantial in recent times.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London sets to initiate the ULEZ Expansion scheme by 29th August
Image Source: MyLondon.news
The London ULEZ Vehicle Standards
Owners of vehicles that do not meet specific emissions standards are required to pay the daily ULEZ fee of £12.50. The standards vary based on the type of vehicle:
- Cars: Diesel cars need to meet Euro 6 emission standards, while petrol-powered cars must adhere to Euro 4 emission standards. Petrol cars that satisfy ULEZ standards are generally those registered with the DVLA after 2005, although compliant cars have been available since 2001. Diesel cars that meet the standards are generally those registered with the DVLA after September 2015.
- Vans: Diesel vans must meet Euro 6 emission standards, and petrol-powered vans need to meet Euro 4 emission standards. New diesel vans sold from September 2016 should meet the Euro 6 standard, while petrol vans registered with the DVLA from January 2006 meet the Euro 4 standard. Vans, lorries, and HGVs weighing over 3.5 tonnes are exempt from the ULEZ charge.
- Motorcycles and mopeds: All vehicles must adhere to Euro 3 emissions standards. Generally, Euro 3 engines are those registered with the DVLA after July 2007.
It’s important to note that the London ULEZ charges are determined by the vehicle’s declared emissions rather than its age. Additionally, if you operate an HGV over 12 tonnes in Greater London, you need an HGV Safety Permit to demonstrate compliance with the Direct Vision Standard (DVS). Vehicles lacking this permit will be subject to penalty charges. The permit application process is free.
ULEZ IMPACTS: Health and Economy
The primary goal of the ULEZ entails enhancing air quality by decreasing the presence of vehicles in London that fail to meet emissions criteria. According to Transport for London (TfL) data report, presently, 94% of cars observed within the existing zone conform to stringent emissions standards on an average day. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 39% recorded in 2017 when the ULEZ was initially introduced. As a result, there has been a nearly 50% reduction in harmful nitrogen dioxide pollution in central London.
Furthermore, according to a BBC data report, in 2022, the ULEZ generated a total of £224,633,003, averaging around £18.7 million per month. Approximately one-third of this sum originated from penalty charge notices (PCNs), while the remaining amount came from daily charge payments.
Transport for London (TfL) stated that all revenue generated through the ULEZ contributes to covering the “set-up costs” of the ULEZ expansion and the ongoing enhancements of the broader network, ultimately leading to improved air quality in London.
The ULEZ Scrappage and Exemption Scheme 2023
With the upcoming expansion of the zone encompassing Greater London, more residents will be affected. To assist those impacted, TFL (Transport for London) has introduced the ULEZ Scrappage Scheme. Starting from January 30th, 2023, this initiative allows participants to trade in their current vehicles, have them scrapped, and receive a grant payment. This grant aids in purchasing new vehicles compliant with ULEZ restrictions. Alternatively, individuals can opt for smaller grants providing annual bus and tram passes.
TFL has allocated £110 million for this new scrappage scheme, encompassing not just car owners but also individuals with vans, motorcycles, and minibusses. The maximum benefit varies based on vehicle type and value. Car owners could receive up to £3,000, while motorbike owners might get up to £1,000. For those with mini-buses and vans, the amount ranges from £5,000 to £9,000, contingent on size.
Eligibility for the Scrappage Scheme is determined by specific government benefits. Initially, only individuals receiving disability benefits were eligible. However, as of June 2023, the scrappage and exemption eligibility became extended to the following groups:
- Individuals receiving Child Benefits
- Small Businesses: Small businesses became eligible for scrappage scheme support from June 2023, opening the opportunity for London-based registered companies with less than 50 employees to apply for assistance.
- Charities: Charities can receive aid for up to three vans and enjoy a grace period for retrofitting vehicles extending beyond the expansion timeline. In addition to the benefits-oriented scrappage scheme, the Mayor of London is introducing a distinct van and minibus scrappage scheme. This option is available to sole traders, charities, and micro-business owners (employing ten or fewer individuals).
