Mayor of London confirms world's first Ultra Low Emission Zone

Following a long consultation process, the Mayor of London Boris Johnson has confirmed the introduction of the world's first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which will launch in Central London in September 2020.

London's ULEZ will target improving air quality and protecting the health of the capital's population, hoping to reduce harmful vehicle exhaust pollutants such as  nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10) by more than half. The announcement will require vehicles travelling in the Congestion Charge Zone of London to meet new emission standards or pay a daily charge of £12.50.

Boris Johnson, said: “The world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone is an essential measure to help improve air quality in our city, protect the health of Londoners, and lengthen our lead as the greatest city on earth. With additional funds announced today, more help is on the way for taxi drivers to support their transition to the latest technology in greener cabs. Together we can ensure everyone who lives, works in, or visits our city has the cleanest possible air to breathe.”

Despite the announcement, there remains concern over the application of the ULEZ. Residents of the zone will be allowed a 'Sunset Period' in which they will not be lawfully required to comply with the new standards for a further three years, and many believe the initial five year wait for the changes to happen is too long.

Commenting on the confirmation, Murad Qureshi AM, Labour's London Assembly Environment Spokesperson said: "Whilst welcome, today’s confirmation that the Ultra Low Emission Zone will be introduced in 2020 will come far too late for the 7,500 people a year who are estimated to die as a result of air pollution, London’s silent killer."

Qureshi went on to comment: "By allowing all London boroughs to opt into the ULEZ, instead of limiting it to a small inner London zone as the Mayor proposes, we would be able to improve the air quality of the whole capital. Boris Johnson’s limited ambition, and the significant exemptions to the ULEZ, risk undermining its effectiveness and condemning vast swathes of the capital to an increasingly toxic future.

In the address, Johnson also announced £65 million funding to deliver plans for cleaner zero emission capable taxis, £25 million of which is to government funded, and a £20 million Taxi Scheme, which will allow local authorities to bid for additional funding to support the adoption of ultra low emission taxis and mini cabs.

Discussing the new Taxi Scheme, Business Minister Matthew Hancock said: “Low emission vehicles are a massively exciting new technology that will suit Londoners down to the ground. These new taxis have got fantastic potential and can be a real force for good within the capital. Londoners have always led the charge on new technology and I have no doubt that the new taxi will find its natural home in the capital.”

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