London Ulez expansion launched at a 'crucial time' despite drivers facing expensive daily charge
The Ulez was expanded on August 29
REUTERS
The Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion has come at a “crucial time” for local authorities who are looking at slashing pollution levels with motoring schemes like Clean Air Zones.
The controversial Ulez scheme was expanded on August 29 to cover all of Greater London, despite backlash from drivers and politicians.
Despite this, one industry expert has praised the expansion, saying the decision to go through with the expansion was the right decision.
Gustavo Marqueta-Siibert, business development director at Mellor, said it was a “crucial time” in the fight against global climate change.
One expert said it was a 'crucial time' to expand the Ulez scheme
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He highlighted how changes were already being made to address air quality issues, as seen with numerous Clean Air Zones and the London Ulez.
Speaking to GB News, he said: “The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone comes at a time when actions are required to mitigate these challenges within the transport sector.
“We know transportation is a key contributor to emissions and the poor quality of air in metropolitan areas.
“As Ulez expands it can help exacerbate these issues by promoting cleaner vehicle use and reducing harmful emissions in London.”
More than 90 per cent of cars driving in outer London already meet the Ulez standards, with most motorists escaping the charges.
According to Transport for London (TfL), the Ulez has already led to a 46 per cent drop in harmful nitrogen dioxide in central London and a 21 per cent fall in inner London.
The Ulez expansion is also believed to save nearly 27,000 tonnes of CO2 in outer London in its first year.
This is more than double the amount of carbon dioxide saved by the original central London Ulez achieved in its first year of operation.
Gustavo Marqueta-Siibert continued, saying that it was important for advancements to be made within the zero emission vehicle industry.
He said: “Public transport plays a particularly important role in leading the adoption of these technologies to make cities more liveable.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made moves to improve the quality of public transport in the capital following the Ulez expansion.
This includes new routes and future plans for the next phase of the Superloop network in outer London.
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London has invested heavily in electric buses
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As part of this, the outer London bus service will add over one million kilometres per year with 80 new zero-emission buses.