ULEZ expansion rethink needed

Experts say plan to compensate residents in expanding clean-air zone is inadequate

- JOHN EVANS

Motoring organisations and used car experts have criticised the mayor of London's recently announced vehicle scrappage scheme, which is intended to compensate some drivers in the capital's extended Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) who will be forced to change their vehicles to avoid paying an emissions charge.

The extension to the ULEZ will go live on 29 August, when it will encompass all London boroughs within the M25.

To avoid a daily charge of £12.50, petrol cars must meet the Euro 4 emissions standard, which became mandatory from 2005, while diesel cars must comply with Euro 6, which became mandatory from 2015.

Under the scrappage allowance, up to £5000 per claimant is available, although the standard allowance is £2000. To qualify, residents must be receiving certain low-income or disability benefits and be scrapping a car that doesn't meet the new emissions limits. The higher £5000 allowance is for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

The mayor's office says the ULEZ expansion will help clear the capital's roads of 200,000 high-polluting vehicles, but the AA argued that up to 400,000 cars are going to be affected.

AA spokesman Luke Bosdet said: "This is a much higher figure and we're concerned that by only providing relief for people on benefits, the scrappage allowance excludes those on low incomes juggling multiple jobs, as well as those in the care sector who need their cars to visit patients." The RAC has questioned the timing of the ULEZ extension. Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy, said: "We're concerned expansion is taking place when drivers are already struggling with high fuel costs. We urge the mayor to look at expanding the scrappage scheme to benefit more households. Alternatively, residents should be granted a sunset period until August 2024 to give them more time to upgrade."