Dear Editor,
It is a scandal that air pollution is causing 10,000 premature deaths each year in our capital and stunting the lung development of our children.
The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will have a hugely positive impact on our ability to tackle air pollution when it is introduced on 8th April. Many people will not be affected, but it’s important local residents check their vehicle’s compliance with new emissions standards as this will determine whether they will be charged for driving in the Zone.
Diesel cars manufactured before 2015, alongside most pre-2006 petrol cars, will be charged £12.50 to come into central London at any time. This will be in addition to the existing £11.50 congestion charge, which operates from Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm. Buses, coaches, lorries and motorbikes will also need to comply with European emissions standards or face charges.
The implementation of the world’s first ULEZ is one of an impressive package of measures that City Hall is taking to clean up London’s toxic air. In taking drastic action now, the Mayor can ensure that London is firmly on the path to achieving zero emissions from road transport by 2050.
So, with three months to go, I would urge all local motorists to use TfL’s online compliance checker, which has already attracted 1.5 million visits so far.
You can access the ULEZ checker through this link: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/vrm-checker-ulez.
Yours,
Fiona Twycross AM
Londonwide Assembly Member