Sadiq Khan forced into major Ulez U-turn as mayor expands scrappage scheme
Sadiq Khan announced a £50 million expansion of the Ulez scrappage following the backlash over the hated green tax.
London’s mayor was blamed by the Labour leadership for the party’s failure to win the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election after residents showed their anger about the £12.50 a day charge on older vehicles.
Following the fury, Mr Khan said every Londoner now affected by the ultra low emission zone fee will be eligible for a £2,000 grants so they can buy a car that is compliant with the scheme.
Scrappage payments for vans will increase from £5,000 to £7,000 and small businesses will be able to replace three vehicles.
Mr Khan is using £50m of City Hall reserves to fund the changes, taking the total put into the scrappage fund to £160 million.
He will press ahead with expanding the Ulez charge to greater London by the end of the month.
READ MORE: Sadiq Khan attacked as a ‘left-wing dictator’ as car chief calls out ULEZ ‘lies’
He said: “I have always said that expanding the Ulez to the whole of London was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly – but it’s a decision I remain committed to seeing through.
“I’m not prepared to step back, delay or water down vital green policies like Ulez, which will not only save lives and protect children’s lungs by cleaning up our polluted air but help us to fight the climate crisis.
“I have continued to listen to the concerns of Londoners over recent months, and today I can announce a huge expansion to the scrappage scheme that means that all Londoners with non Ulez-compliant cars will now be able to get financial support to switch to greener, less polluting vehicles.
“As we continue to build a greener and healthier London for everyone, I’m determined that no Londoner and no London business is left behind. We need to take people with us on the path to a sustainable future. We are ensuring that help is now available for everyone – and I urge Londoners to come and get it.”
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