London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is set to be expanded on Tuesday, with supporters promising cleaner air across the British capital but opponents decried the financial burden during a cost-of-living crisis.
The city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, is pushing for a politically motivated extension of the road charging scheme across Greater London, despite strong opposition from many people living in and around the newly incorporated areas.
The controversial move also has national political implications, as it was blamed for the victory of his main opposition Labor Party in a by-election in former prime minister Boris Johnson’s old parliamentary seat last month.
Khan was reportedly under pressure from Labor leader Keir Starmer to halt the plans or make a U-turn, but refused.
A High Court challenge brought by several local authorities in outer London also failed to halt its expansion.
“We cannot afford complacency when it comes to addressing the public health emergency or dealing with the climate emergency,” the mayor said earlier this month.