by : Samira Tasneem |
Published: September 7, 2023
London expands its Ultra Low Emission Zone to the entire city, targeting polluters. Discover how this move aims to reshape the capital’s air quality future.
In a significant move to combat air pollution, London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has extended the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to encompass the entire city. This expansion aims to impose daily charges on the most polluting vehicles, aiming to make the air cleaner for an additional five million residents. The Greater London Authority anticipates this move will cut down carbon emissions by nearly 30,000 tons in the city's outer boroughs.
Mayor Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This is a landmark day for our city which will lead to a greener, healthier London for everyone.” He emphasized the dual benefits of the expansion, highlighting both the health advantages and the economic opportunities it presents.
The ULEZ, a cornerstone of Khan's strategy to reduce air pollution in London, has already shown promising results. Central London has seen a nearly 50% reduction in air pollution, while inner London has experienced a 20% decrease. The broader goal of the ULEZ is to deter people from using highly polluting vehicles. Currently, about 90% of vehicles in outer London already meet the pollution standards, exempting them from the charge.
To further support the transition to cleaner vehicles, a vehicle scrappage program has been introduced. This program offers Londoners up to two thousand pounds for scrapping non-compliant cars and one thousand pounds for motorcycles. Charities and small businesses can also benefit from increased grant payments. Notably, exemptions are in place for wheelchair-accessible vehicles and disabled individuals until October 2027.
Mayor Khan has allocated 160 million pounds to the scrappage program in support of the ULEZ expansion. He emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “We still have millions of pounds left in the scrappage scheme pot, so I encourage all Londoners who are impacted by ULEZ to apply today for the support we’ve made available.”
Since its inception in 2019, the ULEZ has prevented over 880,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This achievement is equivalent to 1.1 million flights between London and New York. Additionally, the initiative has contributed to a one-third reduction in asthma-related hospital admissions for children due to air pollution.
Revenue generated from the ULEZ, expected by the 2026-2027 fiscal year, will be reinvested in public transportation, including the expansion of bus services in outer London.
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theater actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
Business & Policies ,
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone Expands Citywide
by : Samira Tasneem | Published: September 7, 2023
London expands its Ultra Low Emission Zone to the entire city, targeting polluters. Discover how this move aims to reshape the capital’s air quality future.
In a significant move to combat air pollution, London's Mayor Sadiq Khan has extended the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to encompass the entire city. This expansion aims to impose daily charges on the most polluting vehicles, aiming to make the air cleaner for an additional five million residents. The Greater London Authority anticipates this move will cut down carbon emissions by nearly 30,000 tons in the city's outer boroughs.
Mayor Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This is a landmark day for our city which will lead to a greener, healthier London for everyone.” He emphasized the dual benefits of the expansion, highlighting both the health advantages and the economic opportunities it presents.
The ULEZ, a cornerstone of Khan's strategy to reduce air pollution in London, has already shown promising results. Central London has seen a nearly 50% reduction in air pollution, while inner London has experienced a 20% decrease. The broader goal of the ULEZ is to deter people from using highly polluting vehicles. Currently, about 90% of vehicles in outer London already meet the pollution standards, exempting them from the charge.
To further support the transition to cleaner vehicles, a vehicle scrappage program has been introduced. This program offers Londoners up to two thousand pounds for scrapping non-compliant cars and one thousand pounds for motorcycles. Charities and small businesses can also benefit from increased grant payments. Notably, exemptions are in place for wheelchair-accessible vehicles and disabled individuals until October 2027.
Mayor Khan has allocated 160 million pounds to the scrappage program in support of the ULEZ expansion. He emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “We still have millions of pounds left in the scrappage scheme pot, so I encourage all Londoners who are impacted by ULEZ to apply today for the support we’ve made available.”
Since its inception in 2019, the ULEZ has prevented over 880,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This achievement is equivalent to 1.1 million flights between London and New York. Additionally, the initiative has contributed to a one-third reduction in asthma-related hospital admissions for children due to air pollution.
Revenue generated from the ULEZ, expected by the 2026-2027 fiscal year, will be reinvested in public transportation, including the expansion of bus services in outer London.
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Samira Tasneem
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theater actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
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