London Mayor Calls for Rule Change to Facilitate ULEZ Vehicle Exports to Ukraine

London's mayor, Sadiq Khan, advocates for a regulation amendment to allow the donation of vehicles to Ukraine that would otherwise be scrapped due to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) standards.

Khan has approached Transport Secretary Mark Harper requesting changes to the scrappage scheme, allowing Londoners to send suitable vehicles, especially 4x4s and emergency service vehicles, to support Ukraine. Legal obstacles currently prevent the vehicles' export.

The Ulez initiative, effective from August, offers residents up to £2,000 for destroying vehicles that don't meet emission criteria. Khan, in alliance with ex-Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, argues amending destruction certificate regulations could swiftly redirect these vehicles to Ukraine through registered charities or official avenues, subject to cross-departmental government coordination.

Transport Secretary Harper, expressing surprise over the delayed proposal since the Ulez scheme's inception, indicated readiness to identify and overcome legal impediments, following a call for clarification from Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Harper commits to assisting with feasible export options once these barriers are clearly outlined.