London Mayor to charge diesel drivers £12.50 a day
Over 100,000 Londoners owners of pre-2016 diesel cars face £12.50 charge as mayor Sadiq Khan expands ultra-low emission zone up to North and South circular roads from October 2021.
In a strong move to combat air pollution in the capital, Khan announced on Friday the new ULEZ zone would cover an area 18 times larger than the Central London ULEZ and would affect an estimated 100,000 cars that don’t comply with strict emission standards.
Research launched by Khan demonstrated the move will improve Londoners health by reducing polluted air that is currently responsible for thousands of premature deaths and serious health conditions. The reduction of health issues in Londoners could also lower pressure on the NHS.
Nevertheless, the move will cause a negative impact on citizens' pockets since non-compliant vehicles will pay a daily charge of £12.50. The regulation will be implemented 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Khan, said: “Tackling London’s lethal air and safeguarding the health of Londoners requires bold action. Air pollution is a national health crisis and I refuse to stand back as thousands of Londoners breathe in air so filthy that it shortens our life expectancy, harms our lungs and worsens chronic illness.
“I promised hard-hitting measures to tackle our shameful air pollution and today City Hall is confirming the next stage of our plans to expand the Ultra-Low Emission Zone up to the north and south circular roads,” he said.
The Mayor urged drivers to try and switch to sustainable transports and contribute to the reduction of toxic air.