Industry arguments about the unduly negative effects of a Londonwide Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), combined with financial pressures on Transport for London (TfL), have seen London Mayor Sadiq Khan reign back from some of the most draconian of measures that were initially proposed.
Announcing plans to introduce the ULEZ in April 2019 to “tackle London’s lethal air” he revealed that the first step will be a £10 daily Toxicity Charge (T-Charge) to enter central London (the current Congestions Charging zone), which starts in October.
He is now proposing to replace this with the world’s first ULEZ in central London from 8 April 2019.
This is 18 months earlier than previously expected. This means that, as it stands, there are enough vehicles to meet the demand.
However, the earlier proposals that would have seen the ULEZ ultimately extend Londonwide have been put on hold, which is understood to partly be a reflection that almost half of TfL’s fleet would be affected.
The ULEZ calls for Euro 6 standards – on NOx and PM – and the industry’s main concern is about those operating Euro 5 vehicles and what sort of solutions might be available. It has been suggested that emissions abatement equipment might be available.
The ULEZ will apply to all vehicle types, except black taxis.
It is estimated that introducing ULEZ in central London will result in nearly a 50% reduction in road transport NOx emissions in 2020.
The consultation ends on 25 June
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Consultation at
