London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s ambitious plan to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover the entire capital has been given the green light by a judge, marking a significant victory for the city’s air quality. The ULEZ extension is set to be implemented next month, aiming to tackle air pollution by imposing a daily charge of £12.50 on drivers of the most-polluting vehicles.
Currently, the ULEZ encompasses the area between the North and South Circular roads. With the forthcoming expansion, the zone will extend its reach across the entirety of London. The scheme, originally devised by Boris Johnson during his tenure as mayor, has now been put into action by Khan.
However, the ULEZ expansion faced opposition from five Conservative councils, who argued that Khan exceeded his authority in extending the scheme. Despite the contention, the court’s ruling has upheld the lawfulness of Khan’s plan.
In response to the decision, Mayor Khan expressed his satisfaction, hailing it as “good news for London.” He sees the expansion as a crucial step in the ongoing efforts to clean up the air in outer parts of the city.
While the ULEZ initiative has garnered support for its environmental benefits, it has also faced criticism. During the recent by-election, Khan’s plan was even blamed for Labour’s failure to secure Boris Johnson’s former Uxbridge seat.
The ULEZ expansion represents a significant milestone in the fight against air pollution in the capital. With its implementation just around the corner, Londoners can expect a renewed push to improve air quality and promote a greener and healthier urban environment.
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