On 29th August 2023, the ULEZ scheme expanded across the whole of Greater London. This is a moment I had hoped would not come. ULEZ impacts one in seven drivers and financially penalises hard-working families with a £12.50 daily charge and up to £4,500 a year per vehicle for Dartfordians just driving up the road.
Over 30,000 people signed a local petition set up in Dartford by me and local Conservatives. Your voices have been ignored by Sadiq Khan and the Labour party. For two years it has had the backing of the Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer.
We know this has nothing to do with air pollution and everything to do with taxing those who can least afford to purchase a ULEZ compliant vehicle.
This will not be the end to the expansion. The hundreds of millions the Mayor has invested in cameras will not be funded from the current number of vehicles expected to continue to operate in London. The Mayor of London has the authority to change the criteria of what is a 'ULEZ compliant' vehicle.
Whilst the government cannot legally challenge this expansion, we must continue to defend the rights of motorists, where driving for work and getting on with life is a necessity not a luxury.
