In ‘Landmark’ Decision, Court Approves London Ultra Low Emissions Expansion That Could Bring Cleaner Air to 5 Million People

A challenge to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which covers almost all of Greater London, by five local authorities has been dismissed by the city’s high court.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan extended the zone intended to reduce pollution in the city of around nine million people to encompass an additional five million in some of the outer boroughs. The extension is to begin August 29.

“This landmark decision is good news as it means we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London,” Khan said in a statement, as Reuters reported.

Those who drive vehicles that are non-compliant with ULEZ standards — usually gas-powered cars made before 2006 and diesel vehicles registered before 2015 — are required to pay a fee of £12.50 ($16.07) per day for driving in the zone.

“The decision to expand the Ulez was very difficult and not something I took lightly, and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have,” Khan said, as reported by The Guardian. “The coming expansion will see 5 million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air.”

Former Mayor Boris Johnson originally instigated the ULEZ.

Khan said the ULEZ was needed to tackle the pollution that is causing an array of health issues for Londoners.

“Nine out of 10 cars seen driving in outer London on an average day are already compliant, so won’t pay a penny – yet will still see the benefits of cleaner air. Air pollution is an urgent public health crisis – our children are growing up with stunted lungs, and it is linked to a host of serious conditions, from heart disease to cancer and dementia,” Khan said, according to The Guardian.

Legal action against the ULEZ was brought in February by the city’s outer boroughs of Bromley, Bexley, Hillingdon and Harrow, as well as the Surrey County Council. Their lawyers said that Khan had overstepped his powers and provided a defective government incentive scrappage program for trading in older polluting vehicles for more environmentally friendly ones.

The local authorities expressed great disappointment with the decision, Reuters reported.

Justice Swift said he was “satisfied” that Khan’s decision “was within his powers,” and the vehicle scrappage program was lawful, though “not in depth,” reported The Guardian.

Khan promised to expand the current vehicle scrappage program to “nearly a million families who receive child benefit and all small businesses with up to 50 employees,” as Business Green reported.

Khan said the current ULEZ had reduced nitrogen dioxide pollution in central London by nearly 50 percent.

Currently, only approximately six percent of vehicles entering the ULEZ pay a fee, according to Transport for London, reported The Guardian.

“Everyone involved in the case said they wanted clean air, and now that the ULEZ has been confirmed as legal it is time for everyone to focus on how we support a successful implementation,” said Green Party London Assembly member Sian Berry, as Business Green reported.