London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to launch in two years time under plans to tackle the capital’s “air quality health crisis”, which are being consulted on from this week.

 

The Mayor Sadiq Khan is seeking public views on his proposal that the most polluting vehicles will have to pay a daily charge to drive within central London from 8 April 2019.

 

This will initially cover the same area as the existing congestion charging zone where non compliant cars will be required pay a total of £24 per day. It is hoped that the measures will affect a 50% reduction in road transport NOx emissions in central London by 2020.

 

“The air in London is lethal and I will not stand by and do nothing,” said Sadiq Khan. “I am introducing a new Toxicity Charge this October and subject to consultation, I want to introduce the Ultra Low Emission Zone in central London in April 2019. This alone will mean the capital has the toughest emission standard of any world city.”

 

Campaign for Better Transport sustainable transport campaigner Bridget Fox welcomed the Mayor’s ULEZ plans but said: “We are disappointed that the timescale for a comprehensive Ultra Low Emission Zone seems to have slipped.

 

“We believe all Londoners deserve clean air at the earliest opportunity and we urge the Mayor to not delay implementing measures that will benefit millions of people.”

 

Sadiq Khan has also set out plans to expand the ULEZ across Greater London for heavy diesel vehicles – including buses, coaches and lorries – in 2020, and up to the north and south circular roads for cars and vans in 2021.

 

A consultation on these further measures will take place later in the year. The current consultation closes at the end of June.

 

♦ Sadiq Khan has been criticised over a lack of commitment to ‘car free days’ on Oxford Street (pictured) by London Assembly Green Party member Caroline Russell.

 

The Mayor’s manifesto stated that he would bring back car free days “and possibly weekends” before moving to full pedestrianisation on the popular shopping street, she pointed out.

 

But so far the street has only been closed to cars for special events such as the Christmas lights switch on. “It’s disappointing that the Mayor hasn’t yet brought back car free days on Oxford Street when it is so obviously supported by Londoners and is proven to benefit the businesses there,” said Caroline Russell.

 

“I will continue to push for proper car free days so Londoners can see what their streets feel like without noise, pollution and congestion from cars.”

 

The Mayor said a public consultation on the transformation of Oxford Street would launch this spring.

 

(Photo: Google Maps)