London Mayor Sadiq Khan Faces Legal Challenge Over Ultra-Low Emission Zone Expansion

Five Conservative-led councils argued that Khan's plan to extend the zone would create a "master charging scheme" for London.

The ULEZ currently covers the area between the North and South Circular roads and requires people who drive in non-compliant vehicles to pay a daily charge of £12.50.

If the expansion goes ahead on 29 August, the zone would be three times its current size and reach Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Surrey.

The councils' lawyer argued that claims that nine out of ten cars already complied with ULEZ standards in outer London were based on data from just 106 cameras and were unreliable.

The mayor's legal team said the scheme was "entirely lawful" and would improve London's air quality.

The main points and crucial information from the article are: * The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London is being challenged in court.

* The case was brought by a group of residents and businesses who claim that the consultation process for the expansion was flawed.

* A barrister representing London Mayor Sadiq Khan argued that the consultation process was fair and that the mayor had the power to change the rules of the emissions zone as needed.

* The case is expected to conclude on Wednesday, and the judge will give his ruling at a later date.

* The expansion of the ULEZ is set to go into effect on April 8, 2021.

* The ULEZ applies to all vehicles, including cars, vans, and buses, and owners of older vehicles that do not meet the emissions standards will have to pay a daily charge to enter the zone.

* A scrappage scheme has been proposed to help drivers upgrade their vehicles to meet the ULEZ standards, but the scheme is not yet in place.

* The plans are expected to affect many drivers in London, and the BBC is inviting people to share their experiences.