Campaign group Mums for Lungs say “more needs done” to tackle air pollution in London following the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
The ULEZ is expanding from Central London to the North and South Circulars on October 25.
Those that fail to meet Transport For London’s (TFL) exhaust emissions standards are required to pay a £12.50 levy charge.
And City Hall estimates over 100,000 drivers will be liable to pay the fee once the zone is expanded.
‘More Needs Done’
Campaign group Mums for Lungs campaign for cleaner air, particularly for babies and children.
Speaking to City News, founder Jemima Hartshorn said that they “are really excited about the ULEZ zone expansion.”
“But more needs done…we need a scheme that [discourages] all short car journeys.”
TFL have implemented other schemes to try and limit car use in London.
Most recently, a number of Low Traffic Neighbourhood’s (LTNs) were added to certain boroughs, facing backlash from some residents.
But Mrs Hartshorn said it’s “unfair that people drive very polluting cars without any restrictions.”
“Everyone else has to bear the health brunt and everyone needs to bear the tax brunt.”
Small businesses concerned
Residents in the ULEZ are charged for using their car inside the zone.
For those living in the Central London ULEZ they were previously given a 100 per cent discount. This will end on October 24.
As such, some small businesses are concerned that they will not receive any support in the lead up to the ULEZ extension.
.@FSBGtrLondon – #SmallBusinesses remain concerned about the extension of the #London #ULEZ which is planned for 25 October 2021.
Read more here: https://t.co/04BkHZGVZr @FSBNorthLondon @fsb_policy @FSB_Voice pic.twitter.com/SGwNR0jsLg— FSB Greater London (@FSBGtrLondon) April 29, 2021
Mrs Hartshorn said they “are obviously concerned about the impact [the ULEZ] will have on some small businesses.”
“So we want the government to take much more responsibility and provide more funds.”
