The London mayor, Sadiq Khan, has accused the government of 'weaponising air pollution and climate change' by failing to support the expansion of the capital's ultra-low emission zone (Ulez). Ahead of Tuesday's rollout covering all London boroughs, Khan expressed disappointment at the lack of financial backing for the policy and its accompanying scrappage scheme, unlike support given to other English cities.
Khan told PA media: 'It was this government that gave financial support to cities like Bristol, Birmingham and Portsmouth towards their clean air zones. If clean air is right for them then why isn't clean air right for London? Why has the government given no support to London?' The expansion will create the world's largest pollution charging area, with drivers of non-compliant vehicles facing a £12.50 daily fee or fines up to £180.
A government spokesperson countered that transport and air quality are devolved to London, making them the mayor's responsibility. They noted that the government has provided £6bn to Transport for London (TfL) since 2020 and nearly £102m for projects targeting air pollution. However, Khan argued that the consequences of air pollution are 'heartbreaking' and that policies like Ulez can transform lives.
Opponents claim the expansion is a revenue-raising measure during a cost-of-living crisis. The Conservative party accused Khan of raising taxes on hardworking people and called for the expansion to be scrapped. Anti-Ulez activists have repeatedly targeted enforcement cameras in new areas, cutting wires or removing devices. The Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, previously said Khan was 'between a rock and a hard place' due to legal requirements to improve air quality.
