Majority of Londoners support ULEZ expansion

The majority of Londoners support the expansion of London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), according to a new survey commissioned by environmental law charity ClientEarth. 

Ahead of the Mayoral elections, the poll shows that a vast majority of Londoners (68%) think higher-polluting vehicles should pay more than other vehicles for travelling through the capital. 

A majority (51%) say they support an expansion of the ULEZ, with only 33% opposing it. 

Notably, over two-thirds of respondents (68%) said they are worried about children breathing dirty air.

This week marks the 6-month countdown to the expansion of the ULEZ from central London to the North and South Circulars, however, some candidates have pledged to scrap the expansion if elected.

Simon Alcock, ClientEarth’s head of public affairs, said: ‘Toxic air is not going to disappear on its own. This poll clearly shows Londoners want their Mayor to do something about it.

‘We know the ULEZ works. That’s why we should make it as wide as possible so it benefits people’s health in all corners of the capital. This needs to be supplemented by help and support for small businesses and people on low incomes so they are able to transition to cleaner forms of transport.

‘It is no surprise parents are so concerned. We have just seen air pollution officially blamed for the tragic death of nine-year-old Ella Adoo-Kissi-Debrah. Our capital has the filthiest air in Britain and children are some of the first to suffer.

‘The lung capacity of youngsters living in London has been proved to be reduced by living or going to school near main roads. They have to endure the terrible effects of illegal air pollution across the city year after year. Maintaining the status quo is condemning their health.’

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