ULEZ Expansion
After the charging area for the ULEZ (Ultra-low emission zone) expanded on 29th August, people are once again divided. It’s no secret that the world is facing a climate crisis and we must do what we can to tackle climate change, but will the expansion really have a great impact on the carbon footprint of London, or does it just serve as a money-making scheme for the government?
Transport Secretary Mark Harper has been quoted as saying that the expansion to the ULEZ scheme will have a “minor to negligible effect” on the air quality, having carried out an assessment for London Mayor, Sadiq Khan. That therefore negates any argument that the expansion benefits the health of London residents but doesn’t mean it won’t help tackle climate change. Alongside the expansion of the zone, the scrappage scheme has also been extended. All Londoners will now be eligible for up to £2,000 to scrap non-compliant cars and there will also be further support for businesses, disabled drivers and charities. The government is hoping this will drive people with non-compliant vehicles to switch to greener options, thereby helping to tackle climate change.
What about the cost for people commuting into the ULEZ? If tradespeople and couriers must pay more to drive in London, doesn’t that mean the cost of their services will increase? Naturally, it is expected that the knock-on effect will make the services of tradespeople more expensive, though employees and sole traders will be eligible for tax relief. Having spoken to several delivery drivers and businesses in the area, the consensus is that they will have no option but to add the £12.50 charge to any quotes for work which mean they must enter the ULEZ. For the vast majority, switching to electric vans simply isn’t an option either. Whether it’s the initial outlay or the lack of range, the technology just isn’t good enough for the delivery sector yet, unless it’s for specific, final mile couriers.
In summary, whilst the majority are against the ULEZ, and were even prior to its expansion, the UK is certainly not the only country introducing charges on the most polluting of vehicles and trying to clean up the air in their city centres, so what would the alternative be? Ban older vehicles in cities? Paris has tried that, and it’s gone down well! Like it or not, clean air charges and low emission zones are here to stay, and the £12.50 charge is a lot cheaper than the potential £180 fine for ignoring it.
