‘Very worried by Mayor’s announcement as clear majority of Londoners did not support ULEZ expansion’-Julia Lopez MP

The Hornchurch and Upminster MP has hit out at the London Mayor following the announcement on Friday November 25 that the Ultra Low Emission Zone will be expanded to all outer London Boroughs. Havering has been united across all fronts in making their view clear that residents here not only do not support it, but clearly object to it.

Responding to the Mayor of London’s announcement Julia Lopez MP told the Havering Daily:

“I am very worried by the Mayor’s announcement today that he will expand the ULEZ to all of London, including Havering, despite TfL’s own reports confirming that a clear majority of Londoners, and as much as 70% of outer-Londoners, do not support this measure.

“This announcement will bring financial hardship to families and business in outer-London at a time when they are already managing cost of living pressures. Outer London is not the same as inner London, Havering does not have anywhere near the same public transport provision as central boroughs and there is far greater reliance on cars to get around. This is especially true for those with disabilities and the elderly. Many vulnerable households, who simply cannot afford to replace older vehicles, will now be faced by this daily tax of £12.50.

“Just yesterday, the Mayor of London announced the reversal of planned bus cuts within inner London, stating that the strength of feeling across London was clear and that, as a consequence of this decision, tough decisions will be made elsewhere. By expanding the ULEZ the Mayor has made abundantly clear his unwillingness to listen to outer Londoners who will bear the brunt of his decisions. Like all outer Londoners, I shall continue to call for the Mayor to scrap these disastrous proposals and work with our Conservative London Assembly Member, Keith Prince, to raise Havering residents’ worries.”