Commenting on the ULEZ legal rulling, Greenpeace UK’s policy director, Doug Parr, said:

“As we enter an era of global boiling, now is not the time for political point scoring over measures to tackle climate change and protect the health of our children.

“Clean air is a basic human right and no one wants more traffic, toxic air pollution and the serious health problems that come with it. The ULEZ has been a huge success since its introduction, almost halving harmful air pollution in central London, and its expansion is supported by a majority of Londoners. And as battery factories look to start up in the UK, the benefits of action like this for our future are clear.

“Those who feel that the ULEZ expansion is unfair should point the finger squarely at the government. Ministers rightly demand that legal limits for air pollution are met but have failed to adequately fund the car scrappage scheme. A government committed to solving the problems of air pollution in the capital should work with the Mayor to provide proper financial support for working people wanting to get rid of older, more polluting vehicles. The Prime Minister should step up to ensure that working families are supported and costs fall on those with the broadest shoulders.”