Angry motorists are threatening to “sweep away” politicians such as Sadiq Khan as they reach the end of their tether in regards to Ulez (Ultra Low Emission Zone), warns Lord Daniel Moylan.
Ulez is set to be expanded across all London boroughs on 29 August which will mean all cars used on the roads must be compliant in order to avoid a fee.
The move has been met with backlash from motorists across the capital as many rely on their vehicles on a daily basis.
Conservative Peer Lord Daniel Moylan believes motorists are now being pushed “too far” by those in power, and says politicians such as Sadiq Khan risk being “swept away” as they impose controversial measures surrounding cars.
Rishi Sunak risks being 'swept away' as a result of his Ulez devotion, according to Lord Daniel Moylan
GB News / PA
He told GB News: “Up and down the country, you go to any town or city in this country and you ask any authority: ‘Do you have any target for reducing the number of vehicles on this road in the next five to ten years?’ And they’ll say yes.
“Most of them will say, ‘we’re trying to risk the number of vehicle movements by 20 or 30 per cent.
“It’s not their business, it’s their business to provide roads for people who can afford cars to make use of them because they’ve worked for those cars and very often need them.
“It’s their job to provide roads, provide highways and maintain them. Not to have a plan to stop people using their cars when they so often need them.
Sadiq Khan has infuriated protesters of his Ulez expansion planPA“It’s just bullying. No one has been asked about this. Nobody has been consulted, nobody has been honest about this, and that’s why you’re getting a kickback.
“I’ve always thought the British motorist will put up with almost everything, up to a point. And it’s at that point where they start to get really angry and at that point, politicians get swept away.
“I think we’ve pushed it to that point now where people are really angry.”
It comes as five Conservative-led councils were granted permission to challenge Sadiq Khan’s plan.
Sir Ross Cranston announced in a written decision on Wednesday that a one day hearing should be held in early July.
Ulez will see drivers in outer London pay a £12.50 daily fee if their vehicles do not meet the standards required.
Motorists using non-Ulez compliant vehicles in central London already face a daily charge, but Sadiq Khan is plotting to expand the zone in a bid for cleaner air across the capital.
The High Court has allowed the case to proceed on two grounds – the legal basis for the scheme and scrappage.
A spokesperson for the mayor said: “The mayor is pleased to see the court has refused permission for the majority of the grounds.
“We will continue to robustly defend his life-saving decision to expand the Ulez and continue with preparations without delay.
“It is a shame that some local authorities have chosen to attempt this costly and misguided legal challenge instead of focusing on the health of those they represent.
“Around 4,000 Londoners die prematurely every year due to air pollution.
“This is a health emergency and the mayor is not prepared to stand by and do nothing while Londoners are growing up with stunted lungs and are more at risk of heart disease, cancer and dementia due to our toxic air.”
Baroness O’Neill of Bexley, leader of Bexley Council, said on Wednesday that the Ulez expansion proposal was “never about air quality and we believe it would have disastrous consequences for many of our residents and businesses, as well as others who regularly travel into the borough”.
“We hope that today’s decision moves us a step closer to stopping the Mayor’s money-making scheme,” she added.
