London: In court over ULEZ expansion
From the end of August, the Ultra Low Emission Zone area in the British capital is to be extended. However, the mayor's office plans are facing resistance as neighbouring boroughs question the measure - and are now taking it to court.
Those who have found fault with London's ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) in recent months have often directed their criticism at the strict system of fines. But the planned extension of the Low Emission Zone is also increasingly being questioned. From the end of August, it will no longer apply only to Greater London, but will extend to all 33 "Greater Boroughs" around the city.
Should the tightened zone come into force as planned, motorists in the outer boroughs of London would then have to pay a daily charge of 12.50 pounds from 29 August if their vehicles do not meet the prescribed emission standards. Towns and villages in Surrey in particular, soon to be on the border of the emission control area, will be hit hard by the measure - and are resisting the initiative. This week, the county's case was heard for the first time in the Supreme Court after Surrey and four other counties sued against the expansion plans.
The counties, which have been involved in the challenge since April, say "relevant legal requirements" have not been met - and that the capital has not considered sufficient measures to ease the transition to the new zone and green transformation. For example, the introduction of a scrappage scheme - which would help people exchange internal combustion vehicles for sustainable ones and thus enter the zone without penalty - was not consulted. And the court also saw grounds for the lawsuit, namely in the lack of a scrappage scheme, and even in the legal basis for the scheme itself.
Officially, therefore, the complaint has now been admitted. But what is not questioned is the need to extend the Low Emission Zone and thus increase the area in which the impact of traffic on air quality and health can be regulated. "It is a shame that some local authorities have opted for this costly and misguided legal action instead of focusing on people's health" - states a spokesperson for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. However, the metropolis has no intention of retracting its steps and will "continue preparations without delay".
In the meantime, will the verdict be against the measure? With a court case now underway, that remains to be seen. Many, however, are the low emission zone regulations that are already active in London. As always, all the information is available to you on our website and in the Green Zones app.