The coalition of councils opposed to expansion of the ULEZ to outer London is optimistic of success on the first day of its legal challenge.
Representatives from the five councils – Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, Hillingdon and Surrey – met on the steps of the High Court in central London today (4 July), ahead of the opening day of the Judicial Review the coalition has brought against TfL and the Mayor of London, over planned expansion of the ULEZ to outer London.
Through the new proposals, anyone driving a non-compliant vehicle in the expanded zone after the scheduled start date on Tuesday 29 August, would stand to be charged £12.50 per day – whether the journey is a 30-mile commute, or a short trip for essential groceries.
The hearing is scheduled to last for two days, with a ruling from the judge expected to follow at an unconfirmed date but expected ahead of the courts break for summer on 28 July.
Cllr Ian Edwards, Leader of Hillingdon Council, said: “We believe we can win this. The fact the court has granted us permission to challenge on three grounds gives us confidence they also see the flaws in TfL and the Mayor’s proposals. Quite simply, with the harm our local economies face from the effects of the proposed expansion, we can’t afford not to fight them.
“So, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Surrey, whose small businesses, low-income earners, vulnerable people and ordinary workers like ours, all face being financially crippled by this ill-conceived scheme.
“We fully support measures to further improve air quality in our borough, but this is not the right scheme and not delivered in the right way for Hillingdon. We trust the court will see that and rule appropriately.”
