Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has been called an “utter disgrace” after announcing a daily tax of £12.50 on every car in the city that does not meet his predetermined low emission standards.
Despite a consultation showing that 60 percent opposed the move, including 70 percent in outer London and 80 percent of businesses, the Labour mayor extended the Ulez zone from central London to the entire capital.
It means that, in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis in which families in some of London’s poorest boroughs are struggling to pay for food and heating, those who use their car every day will be forced to get rid of it or pay a cumulative tax bill of £4562.50 to the Mayor of London per vehicle.
The tax will be levied on all petrol vehicles registered before 2005 and diesel vehicles registered before 2015.
Meanwhile, businesses that have been impacted by inflation, increased taxes, and the economic crisis will be required to pay the van and lorry charge.
Mr Khan’s move has already been dubbed “the Ulez scandal.”
Conservative Minister for London Paul Scully said: “The Mayor consulted saying if there was ‘overwhelming opposition’ he wouldn’t extend ULEZ.
“Well 70% of outer Londoners don’t want it; 80% of business owners in outer London don’t want it with the same level of opposition among people working in outer London.
“That’s pretty overwhelming to anyone but the Mayor.
“It’s time for a Mayor who actually listens to and represents Londoners from all parts of the city.”
Mr Khan promised a “genuine” consultation when he launched it over expanding Ulez to outer London, but he appears to have broken that promise.
Former Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey stated, “Sadiq Khan must now respond by cancelling the expansion and opening the process to public scrutiny.”
Mr Khan stated in a social media message that the move was made to provide clean air to London.
“Cleaner air is coming to outer London,” he said.