Minister says Khan should have delayed low emission zone expansion

Minister for London Paul Scully has said the city’s mayor Sadiq Khan ought to have delayed the expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (Ulez).

The Ulez enforced under Khan’s mayoralty has cut carbon output and has helped almost half toxic air emissions in central London.

From Monday the zone expanded to encompass 3.8 million people.

Scully told LBC radio earlier today that the zone’s expansion should have been delayed due to the impact of the pandemic. The MP for Sutton and Cheam explained: “[Khan] should’ve delayed it. The mayor of London should have looked at the effect that it’s going to have on disabled people, for example, because the exemptions don’t cover all disabled people.”

He went on: “He should be putting more money into a scrappage scheme because you need to give people alternatives. You can’t just suddenly bring a charge in when there’s no realistic alternative for a number of people.”