ULEZ zone expansion could lead to drivers ‘priced off the road’

The AA have warned that some drivers fear that the rollout of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone will impact their health and wellbeing.

The study, which surveyed 948 AA members across London, found that 62 percent of motorists aged over 65 believe losing their car because it is no longer compliant would leave them feeling stranded.

A further 57 percent of participants aged between 18 and 24 fear that ULEZ would lead to them being forced into getting a new job that is closer to home or outside of the zone.

Edmund King, the president of the AA, has warned that some residents of London are unable to afford to pay the charges or buy a more recent car during the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr King explained: “Everyone wants cleaner air but the AA survey among our London members shows that, for those that can’t afford to upgrade their cars and now face being priced off the road, the expanded ULEZ’s daily charges are a threat to their health, their well-being, their safety and their family life.”

Introduced for Central London in April 2019, the ULEZ zone requires drivers of petrol cars and vans made before 2005 or diesel models made before 2015 to pay £12.50 per day to drive in the area.

In October 2021, the zone was expanded to cover Inner London, between the North and South Circular roads.

However, current plans will see the zone expanded to cover all 39 boroughs of London, covering parts of Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent and Surrey, from August 29, 2023.

Mr King also criticised Transport for London’s current scrappage scheme, which gives residents in the area who are on a low income or disability benefits up to £2,000 for their non-compliant vehicle.

He added: “The mayor has announced an expanded scrappage scheme for private car owners but, once again, it is limited to those on benefits – not those working long hours and multiple jobs to improve their quality of life.

“Nor the elderly who invested in cars they thought would be their last and provide the mobility for their health needs, nor those for whom cars make them feel safe when they travel – particularly at night.”

This survey follows the start of a Judicial Review into whether the expansion of the scheme, imposed by London mayor Sadiq Khan, is lawful.

If the review approves of the ULEZ rollout, the AA is calling on Mr Khan to implement features such as time limited exemptions, which would see residents and those on low incomes allowed to use non-compliant vehicles for an extended time.

The AA is also encouraging Transport for London to set up more park and ride locations close to major roads to give better access to public transport and cut congestion.