(qlmbusinessnews.com Wed, 30th Aug, 2023) London, UK —
An initiative in London aimed at reducing traffic-related emissions by imposing a daily fee on the most polluting vehicles has been extended to encompass the entirety of the UK capital. This expansion, occurring on Tuesday, has been met with significant opposition from critics who argue that it could exacerbate the existing cost of living challenges.
Originally introduced in 2019 within a small central section of London, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) underwent further enlargement in 2021. Now, its reach extends to cover regions inhabited by an additional five million people, often with limited access to public transportation options.
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London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, asserts that this expansion will lead to a reduction in deaths caused by air pollution-related illnesses and contribute to the fight against climate change. However, opponents contend that the £12.50 (approximately $16) daily fee imposed on individuals driving older, more pollutant-emitting vehicles is unjust and will inflict economic harm.
The discussion around this issue has been simplified into an economy-versus-environment debate. This disagreement in London reflects challenges encountered by policymakers worldwide as the costs of addressing the alarming increase in global temperatures become tangible.
Throughout Europe, endeavors to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings and transportation systems have intensified political pressures. The Polish government has even gone to the extent of suing Brussels over its climate policies.
Khan spoke to the BBC on Tuesday, acknowledging the difficulty of introducing this extended zone while emphasizing its necessity. He had previously noted that individuals residing in the most economically disadvantaged areas bear the brunt of pollution levels.
He remarked, “The expansion of ULEZ is an integral part of our strategies to tackle air pollution, address the climate crisis, and also confront the issue of social inequality.”
Khan contends that nine out of ten vehicles in London are already compliant with ULEZ standards, although critics contest this figure.
Protesters have directed their frustration towards ULEZ enforcement cameras, resulting in 164 cameras being stolen and 185 damaged as of August 1, according to London's Metropolitan Police. Instances of alleged vandalism have surfaced on various social media platforms.
The city's transport authority has heightened security measures for these cameras and intends to install a total of 2,750 cameras in the outer London areas, with 1,900 cameras currently in place.
This expansion has ignited a broader discourse in the United Kingdom, which is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, about the implementation of environmental policies without alienating voters.
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The ULEZ has been held accountable for a close by-election defeat in outer London last month for the opposition Labour Party. Despite this setback, the party maintains a significant lead in opinion polls over the ruling Conservative Party in anticipation of a national election expected next year.
In an effort to quell the backlash following the aforementioned defeat, Labour Mayor Khan announced additional funding to extend a ULEZ scrappage program to all London residents with non-compliant vehicles. However, critics have deemed the program, offering grants of up to £2,000, insufficient.
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