Ulez Expansion: Bromley Council Reports No Pollution Reduction

A recent report by Bromley Council has cast doubt on the effectiveness of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expansion in reducing pollution levels in outer London. The study, conducted by the council's environment committee, found no "overall lowering in pollution" in the months following the expansion of the £12.50 daily charge zone by Mayor Sadiq Khan on August 29, 2023.

Bromley, the largest borough in London by area, observed an increase in vehicle-emitted pollutants after the charge was imposed. The report noted that in November 2023, three months post-expansion, nitrogen dioxide levels were higher across all 32 air quality monitoring locations compared to August of the same year. While seasonal weather variations were cited as a factor, the study concluded that no overall reduction in pollution levels could be directly attributed to the Ulez implementation in outer London.

This finding contradicts City Hall's own research, released in July 2024, which claimed the Ulez expansion was working "even better than expected." The Mayor's office reported that exhaust emissions from cars in outer London were estimated to be 22% lower than they would have been without the expansion.

The Ulez expansion has faced significant criticism since its implementation. Campaigners warned that it would disproportionately affect the poorest Londoners who rely on cars in areas with limited public transport options. Simon Fawthrop, a Bromley councillor who opposed the expansion, accused Mayor Khan of using Ulez as a "tax grab" to raise revenues.

"We always said that the Ulez expansion would have no, or negligible impact on air quality, so far it looks like we were spot on and Khan was wrong. It's time for Sadiq Khan to finally come clean and confess this was nothing more than a regressive and iniquitous tax grab, by a Mayor desperate to raise revenue."

In defense of the scheme, Mayor Khan maintains that Ulez is necessary to tackle air pollution in London, which he is legally obliged to address. The Mayor's office estimates that toxic air contributes to approximately 4,000 premature deaths in London annually.

The controversy surrounding Ulez extends beyond its effectiveness. Recent scrutiny has been directed at claims about its benefits, including a study by the London School of Economics suggesting improved school grades due to Ulez. Additionally, questions have been raised about the independence of peer reviewers approving reports used to justify the expansion.

As the debate continues, it's worth noting that London's air quality has improved significantly since the 1950s, though some areas still exceed legal limits. The Ulez expansion represents one of many efforts to address this ongoing challenge, with its true impact likely to become clearer in the coming years.