The London Assembly has called on Sadiq Khan to bring forward implementation of the capital’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to 2018, a year earlier than suggested in his public consultation on air pollution.
The recommendation is one of a number laid out to the Mayor by the Assembly in response to the consultation, which closed on 29 July.
Under proposals explored in the consultation, Mr Khan suggested bringing the launch of the ULEZ forward a year to September 2019. However, the Assembly recommends going even further, with a start date of 2018, or at the latest the beginning of 2019.
ULEZs are areas within which all cars, motorcycles, vans, minibuses, buses, coaches and HGVs need to meet exhaust emission standards or pay a daily charge to travel.
TfL says the ULEZ is being introduced as another way to further reduce the most harmful emissions generated by road transport in central London and across the Capital.
Following his election in May 2016, Mr Khan told the LRSC of his plans to make London’s roads cleaner and safer for all users, including widening the area covered by the ULEZ and investigating bringing its proposed introduction forward from 2020.
The London Assembly has recommended a larger zone than the proposed boundary of the North and South Circular roads and has also called on the Mayor to consider a tighter standard for diesel vehicles (Euro 5 rather than Euro 4).
Leonie Cooper AM, chair of the London Assembly’s Environment Committee, said: “We welcome the Mayor’s proposals to clean up London’s dirty air and the speed at which his action plan has been introduced.
“However, the committee has heard evidence from a range of experts who believe even greater results for Londoners can be achieved within quicker timeframes, with the introduction of further measures.”
03 August 2016