Mayor of London announces plans to expand Ultra Low Emission Zone

Sadiq Khan wants to expand the ULEZ to tackle climate change and air pollution

The Mayor of London has announced plans to expand the Ultra Low Emission Zone across the whole of the capital. 

Speaking in Lewisham today, Sadiq Khan said the zone could be widened from all areas within the North and South Circular Roads to the entire city.

Drivers who enter the ULEZ are charged £12.50 if their vehicle does not meet minimum emissions standards. 

“The triple challenges of tackling toxic air pollution, the climate emergency and congestion mean we need to further reduce emissions from vehicles in London,” said Khan. 

“The climate emergency means we only have a small window of opportunity left to reduce carbon emissions to help save the planet.

“Despite the world-leading progress we have made over the last few years, there is still far too much toxic air pollution permanently damaging the lungs of young Londoners and leading to thousands of deaths every year, with the greatest number of deaths attributable to air pollution in outer London boroughs.”

City Hall estimates the ULEZ expansion would reduce the number of the most polluting cars on London’s roads by between 20,000 and 40,000 a day. 

It would also lower CO2 emissions in outer London by up to 150,000 tonnes and reduce up to 330 tonnes of NOx emissions. 

Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah’s daughter Ella was the first person in the UK to have air pollution listed as a cause of death. 

“Since Ella’s death in 2013, the number of children dying from asthma in London hasn’t changed, it’s between 8-12 every year,” she said.

“By taking action and expanding the ULEZ to include the south circular and the whole of London, people will be encouraged to get rid of their dirty vehicles, and children like Ella will breathe more easily and have a better quality of life.”

Statistics suggest toxic air caused by traffic is leading to children growing up with stunted lungs and nearly 4,000 premature deaths a year. There are also 500,000 people in London who suffer from asthma and are vulnerable to the pollution.

The proposed expansion of the ULEZ will be subject to an impact assessment, public and stakeholder consultation and confirmation by the Mayor. 

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