London ULEZ expansion moves forward

Transport for London (TfL) has secured a further 750 cameras for the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

The ULEZ currently covers the same areas as the Congestion Charge Zone, but thanks to the new cameras the zone will now be expanded up to the North and South Circular in October 2021. 

The new zone will be 18 times the size, meaning that 750 cameras will need to be installed. 

It is expected that the ULEZ will reduce nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions from transport by around 30% across the whole city. 

Thousands of deaths in London are attributed to air pollution and with emerging evidence suggesting there is a link between pollution and higher rates of COVID infection, the DfT has said that this larger zone will be vital to ensure that as London recovers from the pandemic one public health crisis is not replaced with another. 

TfL expects that of the vehicles that do drive in the zone, four out of five cars will be compliant by the time the scheme is introduced in October 2021. 

To help support those who may find it difficult to meet the ULEZ standards, the Mayor of London has launched a £48m scrappage scheme for those on low incomes and small businesses and charities to switch to cleaner vehicles and greener forms of transport.

Alex Williams, TfL’s director of city planning, said: ‘We are fully committed to cleaning up London’s toxic air, and expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone will play a key role in discouraging people from driving heavily polluting vehicles.

‘This will help people to breathe more easily and create a more liveable city. We have already seen significant falls in the most toxic emissions in central London and now see most vehicles meeting the tough standards in the heart of the capital.

‘We expect to see the benefits felt by people across the city when the zone enlarges and are providing financial support for small businesses and the most vulnerable to help them make the green transition.’