Parliament Pushes for New Legislation to Roll Back Sadiq Khan's ULEZ Expansion

Gareth Johnson, MP for Kent, has introduced a bill to Parliament aimed at reversing the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in Outer London, an initiative previously extended by Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Johnson describes the ULEZ charges as "cruel taxation" and expects debate on the bill in January. Although Private Member's Bills lower on the priority list often fail, government backing could change its prospects.

This is especially possible after a by-election victory where ULEZ featured as a key issue. Mayor Khan's decision to expand the ULEZ was to combat air pollution in the capital, with City Hall defending its necessity for health and legal obligations for clean air.

The ULEZ charge is £12.50 per day for non-compliant vehicles, but with Mayor’s £160m scrappage scheme, 95% of vehicles now meet the standards. Legal challenges against the expansion have been dismissed in court.

Crime associated with ULEZ cameras has been reported, including theft and damage, leading to several arrests and ongoing investigations by the Metropolitan Police.