The leader of Harrow Council, Cllr Paul Osborn, has outlined his intentions to challenge the ULEZ expansion in Harrow stating ‘if we’re able to stop it going ahead, we will.’
In a message to residents posted via the MyHarrow newsletter, Cllr Osborn said: “Together with the London boroughs of Hillingdon, Bexley and Bromley, we’ve formally written to the Mayor of London raising serious concerns about the expansion of the vehicle Ultra Low Emission Zone and the effects it will have on residents and businesses.
“Our growing coalition of London councils is not satisfied with the justification for the expansion of ULEZ into outer London and remains strongly opposed to it.
“TfL plans to impose its strict emissions rules across all of Greater London from August this year, effectively penalising millions of motorists the moment they leave their homes.
“In Harrow, we’re committed to supporting our residents and businesses at this difficult time – that’s why we’re introducing one-hour-free parking across all council spaces later this month.
“Harrow’s economy is built on the success of small business owners, who work incredibly hard every single day – ULEZ is a burden they can do without and ill afford”, he said.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced that ULEZ will be expanded to every London borough from 29 August 2023.
The expansion will mean that hundreds of thousands of drivers could face a charge of £12.50 each day if their vehicle does not meet emission standards.
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has called on the Mayor to scrap the expansion and Bexley, Bromley and Hillingdon councils have also expressed their displeasure with the scheme in a joint statement with Harrow.
Cllr Osborn added: “We’re committed to doing everything we can to stick up for the people of Harrow and resist this imposition from City Hall. We’re clear we won’t help the expansion of this unpopular scheme in any way and if we’re able to stop it going ahead, we will.
“Our formal letter to the Mayor is the first step towards legally challenging ULEZ in the suburbs and we’re willing to take it as far as possible.”
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