Sadiq Khan is still dedicated to expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) but is open to exploring new ideas to lessen the financial burden on Londoners, according to sources at Sky News.
The London mayor is reportedly willing to consider alternative measures as long as they maintain the effectiveness of the policy in improving air quality.
Khan’s plan to expand the ULEZ to cover the outer boroughs of London from August 29th has faced criticism for potentially impacting Labour’s election results in Boris Johnson’s former seat.
This expansion means that drivers across the capital will face a daily charge of £12.50, unless their vehicle meets strict emissions standards.
A source close to the mayor stated, “Sadiq has made it clear that he is listening to the concerns of Londoners following this recent by-election.”
Critics argue that the ULEZ scheme disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who rely on driving for work, and may discourage sole traders from outside London from taking jobs within the city.
Khan’s team has defended the ULEZ plan, stating that only one out of 10 cars driving in outer London would be subject to the charge. They have also highlighted a £110 million scrappage scheme aimed at assisting lower earners in upgrading their vehicles.
Read more:
London ULEZ: Coverage of the expanded Greater London zone, the reasons behind Sadiq Khan’s creation of the ULEZ, and the criticisms it has faced.
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‘ULEZ is why we lost in Uxbridge’
Party leaders urged to uphold eco-friendly commitments
Both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have received calls to maintain their respective parties’ green policies, following the Conservative Party’s narrow retention of the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat with a margin of 495 votes.
After Uxbridge became the sole victory for Labour in a set of three recent by-elections, there has been increased pressure on the prime minister to dilute promises aimed at helping the UK achieve its goal of a net zero carbon economy by 2050.
Meanwhile, Labour leader Sir Keir has expressed his commitment to sticking with his party’s environmentally friendly pledges but also acknowledged the need to reflect and learn from the implementation process.
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Gove Calls for Relaxation of Net Zero Measures
Housing Secretary Michael Gove has cautioned against treating environmentalism as a religious crusade and suggested relaxing some measures towards achieving net zero carbon emissions.
Gove, who was the environment secretary when the UK committed to the 2050 net zero goal under Theresa May’s premiership, called for a thoughtful approach to environmentalism. He also acknowledged that the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars may need fine-tuning but believed it was still an achievable target.
