Sadiq Khan Urged to Extend Deadline for NHS Ambulances to Meet ULEZ Compliance

London's Mayor Sadiq Khan is facing calls to allow NHS ambulances more time to comply with Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) standards.

Amidst concerns about nearly £65m being required for fleet upgrades, the Conservative London Assembly member Keith Prince has labeled imposing such costs during high inflation as unreasonable. He has requested an extension of the Ulez exemption for ambulances past October 2025, arguing the exemption's negligible impact on air quality versus the significant financial relief it would offer.

The Mayor's office argues that Ulez will, in the long run, reduce pollution-related health costs, which are projected to cost the NHS and social care in London around £10.4bn by 2050 if no action is taken.

Transport for London has waived charges for non-compliant emergency vehicles as it collaborates with public services, including the Metropolitan Police and London Fire Brigade, to update their fleets without hindering their operations.

The Ulez, aimed at reducing pollution, started in central London in 2019, expanded in 2021, and was extended to the Greater London boundary in August of the current year.