Sadiq Khan Doubles Down After Major Blunder Sparks Outrage—Refuses to Admit Mistake

The expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) in August 2023 has led to significant improvements in air quality across the city, particularly in areas that initially opposed the scheme. A recent report from City Hall shows that boroughs which were most vocal against the Ulez expansion have now seen the largest reductions in harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx).

The Ulez, which now covers all London boroughs, requires vehicles to meet strict emissions standards or pay a daily fee of £12.50 to drive within the zone. The report compared current pollution levels with a scenario where the Ulez had not been expanded, revealing notable decreases in NOx emissions. For example, Sutton saw a 15.4% reduction, while Croydon, Merton, Bromley, and Harrow all recorded reductions of over 15%. These boroughs had previously opposed the expansion, with Bromley and Harrow even attempting to block it through a legal challenge.

Despite the initial resistance, the data shows that the Ulez expansion has been effective in improving air quality. Across outer London, NOx emissions from cars and vans were 14% lower in 2023 than they would have been without the expansion. Additionally, the number of non-compliant vehicles detected in London dropped by nearly 100,000 per day, with 96.7% of vehicles now meeting the Ulez standards, up from 90.9% before the expansion.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan defended the decision to expand the Ulez, stating that it has been crucial for protecting public health. He highlighted the benefits for children’s lung development and the reduction in risks of asthma, lung cancer, and other health issues linked to air pollution. Khan also noted that some of London’s most deprived communities have seen significant improvements in air quality as a result of the scheme.

Transport for London (TfL) echoed these sentiments, with Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of strategy, describing the Ulez as a key measure in addressing the public health crisis caused by air pollution. The report also found that the Ulez expansion has not negatively impacted footfall or retail and leisure spending in outer London, countering concerns that the scheme might harm local businesses or increase congestion.

Overall, the findings suggest that the Ulez expansion has been successful in reducing air pollution and improving public health, even in areas that initially opposed the policy. The data underscores the importance of such measures in tackling the long-term challenges of air quality and environmental health in urban areas.