Appeal against London ULEZ expansion rejected by High Court

A High Court judge has ruled that the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion plan is lawful and can go ahead, defeating a challenge from five Conservative-led councils.

Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, Hillingdon and Surrey County Council brought the case to the High Court claiming that London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan failed to meet the statutory requirements and did not consult on a £110m scrappage scheme designed to help drivers switch to newer and compliant cars. 

The significantly expanded zone reaches the M25 motorway in places and includes locations such as Hampton Court Palace, Chessington World of Adventures and Heathrow Airport. It will come into effect from August 29 and covers diesel cars before around 2015 and petrol cars prior to around 2006.

Several local councils had lodged legal objections to the expansion and have expressed disappointment at today’s ruling. Harrow Council leader, Paul Osborn, said: “It is a sad day for our residents and businesses who are worried about the impact the expansion will have on them when it comes into force.” 

Bromley Council leader, Councillor Colin Smith, said: ‘I can only say sorry. We’ve tried our very hardest to protect you, but ultimately, today’s judgement does mean that the mayor has taken another step closer to getting his way,” adding that it was a “bitter disappointment” for motorists and traders, many of which may have to “consider ceasing business and laying off staff”. 

Speaking after the ruling Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said the “landmark decision is good news as it means we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London.”

He added that expanding the ULEZ was not something he took lightly, stating that “nine out of ten cars seen driving in outer London on an average day are already compliant so won’t pay a penny.

“I’ve been told more than £1m of council taxpayers’ money has been wasted on this case. I’m quite clear, though, I made this decision to expand ULEZ because it is really important we address the public health crisis.”

The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the sole exception of Christmas Day. If your vehicle does not comply with the Transport for London emission standards, you must pay a daily charge of £12.50 within three days. Failing that, they will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £160, reducing to £80 if it is paid within 14 days. 

However, compliant vehicles can be found on used car websites from as little as £700, a recent search by Driving.co.uk revealed.

The goal of the ULEZ is to help London achieve a goal of being net zero carbon by 2030. Earlier this week, the Secretary of State of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, confirmed the government plans to push ahead with a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. 

Related articles

• Following news that the ULEZ expansion is going ahead, read about how sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2030 
• We’ve compiled a list of the best ULEZ-compliant used cars, all costing less than £10,000 
• ULEZ checker: Is your car exempt from the Ultra Low Emission Zone?

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