Tory mayor: Emission zone extension would be “hammer blow” to businesses

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to extend London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to Croydon would be a “hammer blow” to businesses and residents, the borough’s mayor has claimed.

Jason Perry has called on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to drop plans to extend low-emission zone to the whole of the capital.

Mayor Perry said he was “deeply concerned” about plans to extend the zone in August 2023.

Consultation on the proposal closed on Friday and, if it goes ahead, will mean the most polluting vehicles entering the capital would have to pay a £12.50 daily charge.

Mr Perry wrote: “The ULEZ expansion would be a hammer blow to businesses and residents in my borough of Croydon with many families hit with a £12.50 a day charge just to leave their driveway.

“After years of Covid and now facing cost of living rises, many households with older cars won’t be able to afford the significant cost of buying a new more modern car.

“I agree that we must take steps to improve London’s air quality, however that should not come at the cost of hitting families and businesses already struggling to make ends meet.

“While most vehicles may meet the ULEZ standards, those with cars which fall short will be left unable to get around without paying the extortionate charge. There is little doubt this will also hit local businesses as customers chose to stay home rather than face paying the £12.50 ULEZ charge for a trip to the shops.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said expanding the charging zone will improve air quality across the capital.

He said: “That’s why my proposals for expanding the ULEZ are the right thing to do. Air pollution is not just a central London issue and Londoners in the outer boroughs should be able to enjoy the clean air benefits the ULEZ brings.”

Pictured top: Croydon Conservative mayor Jason Perry in Central Parade, New Addington (Picture: Darren Pepe)