Monday 22 May 2023

Labour could take the ULEZ out of London to other UK cities

If he wins the next general election, Labour leader Keir Starmer could bring low emission zones for cars from the capital to other parts of the UK.

The idea for the (Ultra-Low Emission Zone) ULEZ to be taken elsewhere is backed in a Labour policy document.

Labour member and Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has supported the expansion of the ULEZ from central London to the remaining boroughs.

It sees drivers who travel in the most polluting cars or vans hit with a fine of £12.50 per day for entering the zone, in an attempt to curb air pollution.

According to Labour List, the draft document shows party support for clean air zones but stresses they should be “phased in carefully” with “a just transition plan.”

Lung cancer rates within London have led to Starmer’s support, he stated in a recent interview.

“I think it's worth us all just asking ourselves, if we are not prepared to do these sort of schemes what are we going to do? If increasing numbers of people – and young people as well, are getting cancer.

“We can't just sit that out. But I'm not saying I don't understand that paying money to use your vehicle for people who are already up against it is a big ask. But I don't think we can sit this one out.”

Some UK cities that currently have clean air zones in place are Manchester, Sheffield, Bath, Portsmouth, Oxford and Bristol.