London mayor announces expanded pollution charge zone

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that the city’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will be expanded to the North and South Circular roads in 2021.

The ULEZ, which will come into force in London’s existing Congestion Charge Zone in April next year, will levy an extra charge of £12.50 a day on all vehicles which do not meet emissions standards.

ClientEarth CEO James Thornton said: “This is a welcome announcement from the Mayor, who has shown he is prepared to take steps to protect Londoners’ health from the city’s toxic air. Political leaders across the UK should take note.

“A stronger, bigger Ultra Low Emission Zone brought in sooner would be key to tackling the illegal and harmful levels of air pollution found across the whole of Greater London. But, as his plans for expansion do not cover outer London, the mayor now needs to show exactly what he is going to do to ensure all Londoners can breathe cleaner air.”