Sadiq Khan urges councils to drop opposition to Ulez expansion
The capital’s mayor wrote to the leaders of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon councils.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sadiq Khan has urged the leaders of four London councils to drop their opposition to his expansion of the ultra low emission zone (Ulez).
The capital’s mayor wrote to the leaders of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon councils describing their grounds for a potential legal challenge to the measure as “wholly without merit and misconceived”.
He insisted it is “simply not true” that the scheme – which will be extended to cover the whole of the capital from August 29 – is a “money-making venture”.
Transport for London (TfL) expects net income from the Ulez to fall to “nominal levels within the next few years”, Mr Khan wrote.
I would hope you would work with me to help clean up the dirty air
Until then, all net revenue will be reinvested back into transport in London, he stated.
The Ulez is currently limited to the area within the North and South Circular roads.
Drivers of vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards are charged a £12.50 daily fee for entering the zone.
Mr Khan wrote that he is “determined to reduce the toxic air in our city, which leads to around 4,000 Londoners dying prematurely every year”.
He added: “Instead of pursuing an expensive legal challenge funded by local residents, I would hope you would work with me to help clean up the dirty air that’s blighting our city and the lives of those we represent.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.