London Ultra Low Emission Zone could be introduced in 2019

The Mayor of London has proposed introducing the city’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in April 2019, a year earlier than planned.

The most polluting vehicles will be charged to drive through central London in a move to tackle dirty air.

ClientEarth lawyer Anna Heslop said:

“This is a significant move from the Mayor. Bringing the Ultra Low Emission Zone forward is absolutely essential if we are to protect people’s health. But all options need to be on the table including a London wide ULEZ for all vehicles to protect the health of all Londoners. The High Court made it crystal clear that the Government and therefore the Mayor must do everything in their power to clean up London’s air as soon as possible.”

The Mayor’s proposal to bring the ULEZ forward is welcome but we need more ambitious proposals to achieve legal limits and protect public health as soon as possible.

The ULEZ in 2019 would cover the same area as the existing congestion charging zone.

The Mayor will consult later in the year on expanding the ULEZ across nearly all of Greater London and to apply to heavy diesel vehicles such as buses, coaches and lorries. This would be implemented in 2020.

He will also consult on extending the ULEZ area applying to light vehicles, such as cars, vans, minibuses and motorcycles up to the North/South Circular road. This would be implemented in 2021.

The UK Government also needs to step up to fight dirty air. We expect ambitious draft air quality plans due at the end of this month.