ULEZ expansion: IGA members overwhelmingly oppose plans

Plans to expand the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) are opposed by 95% of Independent Garage Association (IGA) members within the M25 orbital motorway.

The survey also found that 88% felt that the extension would have an adverse effect on their business, and 86% felt it would result in job losses.

Transport for London (TfL) launched a consultation on plans to expand the ULEZ to cover almost the whole of the capital from August 29, 2023, in May. 

The consultation, which closes today (Friday, July 29), also focuses on a possible road pricing scheme in the capital. This could include scrapping existing charges, such as the congestion charge, and replacing them with a single road user charging scheme.

Stuart James, IGA chief executive, said: “While the IGA agrees that it is vital to improve air quality, tackle the climate emergency and reduce traffic congestion across Greater London, we feel strongly that now is not the right time to impose a £12.50 per day cost onto small local businesses and low-income households.

“Our members overwhelmingly feel that extending the ULEZ would negatively affect their business and customers, to the point where some are worried that they will not be able to afford to keep their business trading.”

Contrary to Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s, statement that most vehicles within the extension zone are already ULEZ compliant, James says that 98% of its surveyed members disagreed based on the vehicles they are seeing at their businesses on a daily basis.

“Given the bleak economic outlook and current strain that both businesses and households are under, it is unrealistic to imagine that many motorists could afford to either pay a £12.50 daily charge to drive their car or purchase an ultra-low emission vehicle,” he added.

“We ask that consideration is given to how extending the ULEZ will affect small business and low-income households, who will all suffer the greatest impact if the extension goes ahead and can least afford the additional financial burden.”