Ulez expansion could mean the death of driving with car ownership rates plummeting
Almost a quarter of motorists admitted to not using their car for short journeys
PA
The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London may see many drivers give up their vehicles in response to the daily charges.
A staggering 27 per cent of Londoners plan on not owning a car in the next five years as a result of the Ulez expansion.
Almost a quarter of motorists also admitted to not using their car for short journeys, with more than a third of people either walking, using public transport or other sustainable methods.
It has been estimated that 700,000 cars in outer London are non-compliant, with many being forced to pay the £12.50 daily charge to drive inside the capital.
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The cost of motoring has increased dramatically since the pandemic, with rising fuel prices and car insurance costs hitting drivers.
Coupled with the growing number of Clean Air Zones, experts are predicting that car ownership rates could plummet in the future.
Oliver Montague, CEO and co-founder of Swytch Technology, warned that the Ulez expansion could mean the death of cars for Londoners.
He said: "Although there is still progress to be made in creating a sustainable transport infrastructure in the UK, consumer behavioural trends certainly show that the public is starting to favour electric vehicles over internal combustion engines, indicating a dedication towards a greener future.
“All research indicates that young people are driving less than in the 1990s, and I think that as sustainability becomes a key priority for the likes of millennials and Gen Z’s, petrol and diesel cars are definitely ‘losing their cool’.
“This is especially true now amid a cost of living crisis when owning and running a car has become far too expensive for a lot of people.”
To deal with the Ulez expansion, almost 21 per cent of Londoners are now cycling or using an electronic mode of transport to get to work.
The backlash to the expansion has been clear, with some frustrated motorists targeting the Ulez cameras and mobile camera vans.
Both Transport for London and Mayor Sadiq Khan have condemned the actions of some drivers, saying that vandalism was unacceptable.
According to Metropolitan Police data, 510 crimes took place between April and August for incidents relating to Ulez cameras.
Oliver Montague continued, saying: "At the forefront of this change are e-bikes.
“As more people turn to e-bikes for their daily commuting and delivery needs, we will see a significant reduction in our reliance on fossil fuels and a corresponding decrease in air pollution.
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Many drivers are looking to use more sustainable modes of transport
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"We are proud to be at the forefront of this shift towards a more sustainable future, and we believe that e-bikes will continue to play a crucial role in reaching environmental goals."