Caroline Pidgeon AM, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, commenting on today’s announcement of a consultation on extending further the Ultra Low Emission Zone, said:
“I welcome this consultation. While there are many important details that need to be addressed, the extension of the ULEZ is ultimately necessary. Air pollution is not a problem that stops once someone crosses the North or South Circular Roads.
“However any extension of the ULEZ must be coupled with an ambitious scrappage scheme to assist disabled people and people on low incomes to give up older polluting vehicles. The scrappage measures must also include mobility credits so as to give people the option of far greener options than merely switching vehicle.
“We should also not overlook the fact that many parts of outer London have poor public transport links and are currently suffering from reduced train timetables. The ULEZ extension must go hand in hand with improving public transport in outer London, including new orbital bus services, more frequent bus services and restored train timetables.”