Drivers warned over ‘unnecessary’ Ulez fees as Sadiq Khan's expansion set to come into force
Ulez will cover the outer boroughs of London
PA
Drivers have been urged to check they are not paying Ulez [Ultra Low Emission Zone] fees that are “unnecessary” as its London expansion comes into force.
On Tuesday, the Ulez will be expanded to include the whole of the capital, making it the world’s largest pollution charging area.
People who drive in the zone with a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards will be required to pay a £12.50 daily fee or risk a £180 fine.
According to motoring journalist John Marcar, thousands of drivers could be paying “unnecessarily”, and has therefore urged caution on the matter.
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He told GB News: “By doing a little bit of extra research, motorists are finding out that their cars are actually compliant.
“A lot of motor manufacturers are able to issue a bit of paperwork that say, ‘our cars do fall within the category that are compliant’, and therefore, it’s actually exempt.
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“It’s worth everybody double checking and doing your research, having a look online and it’s worth doing that because a lot of people will be paying unnecessarily.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has come under fire for the scheme’s expansion, with many dubbing it a “cash grab” to help fund Transport for London (TfL).
Khan has denied such assertions, and has criticised the Government for “weaponising” the air emissions issue.
He said: “It was this Government that gave financial support to cities like Bristol, Birmingham and Portsmouth towards their clean air zones.
John Marcar says the timing of the Ulez expansion is not ideal for Londoners
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“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? I am disappointed at the lack of support from the Government.
“I am disappointed that they seem to be weaponising air pollution and climate change.”
A Government spokeswoman said: “Both transport and air quality are devolved to London, which is why they are the direct responsibility of the Mayor of London.
“In fact, the Government has provided TfL £6 billion since 2020 to keep public transport moving and almost £102 million for projects specifically targeted to help tackle air pollution.”
To comply with Ulez standards, petrol cars must generally have been first registered after 2005, while most diesel cars registered after September 2015 are also exempt from the charge.
TfL says nine out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day are compliant.
Separate figures obtained by the RAC show more than 690,000 licensed cars in the whole of London are likely to be non-compliant.
Marcar told GB News that while the importance of clean air is a “big issue” in London, the timing “hasn’t been thought out”.
“There are a large number of people in the capital with another unnecessary expense added”, he said.
“Whilst the sentiment is good, the timing is not very good.”