London needs more investment in ULEZ scrappage schemes

Londoners, businesses and charities need more help to switch to cleaner modes of transport ahead of the ULEZ expansion in October 2021.



The London Assembly today called on the Government to allocate funding from their Clean Air Fund and invest in Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage schemes.

Susan Hall AM, who proposed the original motion said:

“With under two months until the Mayor expands the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, thousands of Londoners will be left with no help to scrap their vehicle and avoid the charge.

“Two of Transport for London’s scrappage schemes for vans and heavy vehicles have been suspended since last summer, leaving small businesses and sole traders with no help to scrap these vehicles. The third scheme for cars and motorcycles is underfunded, with only a third of applicants receiving a pay-out, and too narrow, excluding Londoners with low incomes who don’t receive benefits.

Leonie Cooper AM, who proposed an amendment said:

“The expansion of the ULEZ to the North and South Circulars will be a huge step forward in tackling air pollution in London, which contributes to thousands of premature deaths every year and stunts the development of children’s lungs.

“4 out of 5 cars in our capital already meet ULEZ emissions standards, but it is important that Londoners who need to upgrade their vehicles are supported in doing so.

“Over the past few years, the Mayor has rolled out a series of scrappage schemes, targeted at helping charities, businesses and low income and disabled Londoners.

“It would be great to see these schemes expanded further, but with TfL’s finances having been pushed to the brink by the pandemic, the Government must come in and financially support this”.

The full text of the amended motion is:

“This Assembly notes that to date, the Mayor and London Boroughs have so far been excluded from applying to the Clean Air Fund. The London Assembly calls on the Government to allocate funding from their Clean Air Fund and invest in Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage schemes. This investment should be used to reopen the two suspended schemes for vans and heavy vehicles to help sole traders, small businesses, and charities scrap or retrofit these older vehicles.

The Mayor should use any money allocated by the Government to widen the third scheme to help low income Londoners earning less than £30,000 to scrap cars and motorcycles. These new grants should offer Londoners either a grant which can be used to buy a new ULEZ compliant vehicle or the equivalent in travel credits to encourage more people to use public transport where possible.

While the Mayor should contribute what he can afford to scrappage schemes, the real responsibility for this lies with Government.

This Assembly recognises the difficult financial situation that TfL is in as a result of the pandemic and as a result of the previous Mayor changing the funding model to rely on fares instead of Government funding.

This Assembly recognises that many Londoners rely on their vehicle but cannot afford the ULEZ expansion charge or to buy a cleaner vehicle. That’s why this Assembly is calling on the Government to support the Mayor and TfL to help Londoners, businesses and charities switch to cleaner modes of transport ahead of the ULEZ expansion in October 2021.”