ULEZ expansion will help London tackle climate crisis, says mayor’s environment chief

The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is key to tackling both toxic air and the wider climate emergency, London’s deputy mayor for environment and energy has said.

Shirley Rodrigues, who was appointed to the role in October 2016, said major fires such as those seen last summer and extensive flooding show London is already grappling with the impacts of climate change.

Ms Rodrigues was speaking at the Connecting London for Local and Global Climate Action event, part of London Climate Action Week.

Despite having had a headstart on tackling the issues with scientists and other experts sounding the alarm for years, she said efforts in many areas have been “squandered”.

“We’ve been given the facts, and we have to act. That’s why Sadiq has made the difficult decision to expand the ULEZ across London,” she said.

Ms Rodrigues said the ULEZ will not only help cut toxic air in London, but will also tackle the climate emergency and issues of climate injustice.

“We know the most vulnerable, those least likely to be the cause of climate change, are the ones who are hit the hardest,” she said. “The ULEZ is one of the most successful environmental initiatives in the world, and has already led to a reduction of around 800,000 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent of over two and a half billion kilometres driven by a bunch of cars. And many other cities are seeking to follow.”

The ULEZ is due to expand on August 29 this year to cover all of greater London, dependent on the outcome of a judicial review into the scheme due to be heard in court in early July.

Once implemented, most of those driving non-compliant vehicles in the zone will be liable to pay the £12.50 daily charge.

The decision has drawn strong opposition from various corners, with concerns about the impact on those struggling to upgrade their vehicles.

Data from Transport for London (TfL) shows 90% of vehicles seen driving in outer London on an average day are already compliant. However, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicate the ownership of vehicles meeting the ULEZ standard is just over 80% in some areas, leading to concerns about compliancy rates come August 29.

Mr Khan recently announced the ULEZ scrappage scheme is to be extended from the end of July, to support more people having to make the shift.

Referencing Mr Khan’s claim that he is a “doer and not a delayer”, Ms Rodrigues touched on other mayoral initiatives designed to help tackle the climate crisis, including changes to planning, retrofitting buildings, and his rewilding programme.

The mayor’s recently launched review into climate resilience was mentioned, with Mr Khan looking to explore how the capital can better utilise technology to adapt to climate-related impacts.

“It’s a fight I’m happy to be in, it’s a fight Sadiq is happy to be in, and it’s a future we all have to fight for,” she said. “And I’m here to tell you London is ready for that fight, and I know that you are too.”