ULEZ rebellion is growing across local counties as they refuse to co-operate with
Sadiq Khans new plan. The London Mayors scheme to enlarge the Ultra-low emission zone for vehicles has hit another road block as the Home Counties become the latest to show their displeasure.
Buckinghamshire, Essex and Hertfordshire have now pledged to join Kent & Surrey in blocking installation of any ULEZ cameras or signs.
Hertfordshire County Council has written to the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and advised him to “go back to the drawing board” with his plans to expand the capital’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
The authority is concerned about the detrimental financial impact the measure will have on its residents and businesses who face a £12.50 charge to cross the border into Greater London.
Sawbridgeworth’s Cllr Eric Buckmaster, the council’s executive member for environment and waste, said “Consistent with our views expressed in the consultation we are not supportive of a scheme which is blatantly unfair to residents outside of London”.
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, except Christmas Day and currently covers all areas within the North and South Circular Roads. The North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads are not in the zone. From 29th August this year, the ULEZ is expanding across all London boroughs and out into Kent.
Many are angry that the London Mayor has gone ahead with his plan, without any consultation. Many families are struggling with the financial crisis, yet this appears just another money grabbing opportunity, rather than a realistic plan to cut emissions.
It will see Dartford residents who need to travel for work, leisure, to attend hospital appointments or care for loved ones charged £12.50 a day if their vehicle is non ULEZ compliant.
More than 90% of vehicles are estimated to currently be compliant with the ULEZ restrictions.
But Dartford council leader Cllr Jeremy Kite said last month that although the charge may only affect a small proportion of drivers, “they are the ones least able to afford it”.
The mayor of London Sadiq Khan says the move was “one of the toughest decisions” he’d taken but was necessary to address London’s dirty air.
The last time we checked, Dartford is not actually in London!
