ULEZ expansion legal, High Court rules
Sadiq Khan welcomed the “landmark” ruling but said he would “do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have” after the scheme was blamed for Labour’s defeat in the Uxbridge by-election.
The expansion of ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) to outer London boroughs has been ruled lawful by the High Court.
Five Conservative-run councils had launched legal action back in February over the expansion.
The scheme will come into force from 29 August and see the drivers of the most polluting vehicles charged £12.50 a day to use them.
The hope of those behind the plan is it will incentivise people to use cleaner transport alternatives and, as a result, help improve the city’s air quality.
Transport for London has claimed only a small number of people will be impacted, with nine out of 10 vehicles compliant with ULEZ requirements.
But the councils challenged the rollout in the courts, saying the capital’s Labour mayor, Sadiq Khan, had exceeded his legal powers with such a large expansion of the scheme.