Havering Chamber Of Commerce States The ULEZ Expansion Across Havering Can Not Be justified.

Legally, it seems that the only reasonable option to stop/delay the ULEZ expansion is if the Government uses its transport veto as per Section 143 GLA Act (1999).

Havering Chamber of Commerce today writes in the Havering Daily.

The Mayor of London has decided to extend the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to cover the entirety of the thirty-two London Boroughs. From 29 August 2023 vehicles that do not meet minimum emissions standards will have to pay a fee of £12.50 per day to enter the London Boroughs. This is on top of the existing £15 Congestion Charge for those wishing to travel to Central London.

The Chamber recognises there is a need to reduce air pollution caused by vehicles which are mainly diesel powered and whilst this Chamber understands the need to discourage vehicles in Central London which is densely developed, we believe the case cannot be justified within London Borough of Havering which contains many open space areas.
Furthermore, the introduction of the new charges could not have come at a worse time in view of the difficult economic climate we are facing and the cost of living crisis.

These new provisions will have an adverse effect upon businesses, delivery firms and private individuals. Many firms and individuals simply cannot afford the cost of replacing non-compliant vehicles at the present time.
It is felt the Mayor would have been better advised to phase in these provisions over a longer period of time which would allow businesses and individuals to plan for future replacement of non-compliant vehicles which in any event would happen over a period of time.

It has been reported that Transport for London has estimated 30,000 non-compliant vans will be required to pay this additional fee in August of this year. For a driver entering London five days a week, this would amount to a £3,000 annual bill which is clearly not sustainable.

It has been suggested that electric vehicles would present a solution to the problem. Unfortunately, however, the cost of such vehicles is currently prohibitively high and the availability of charging points woefully inadequate. A number of the outer London Boroughs are contemplating a legal challenge against these new regulations and it will therefore be interesting to see what transpires.

We have since received an overview from London Borough of Havering who debated this issue at great length. The following views have been expressed:

1. Whilst the Council is anxious to improve air quality generally, it is of the opinion that the introduction of the scheme should, at the very least, be delayed until 2026 to allow residents time to make appropriate adjustments, particularly during this period of high inflation which is also impacting the second-hand car market.

2. The Mayor needs to consider an enhanced scrappage scheme to ensure that no resident is left (financially) worse off by having to change their car including those who use their car for business purposes.

3. The Mayor has powers to introduce and operate “a charging scheme in respect of the keeping or use of motor vehicles on roads in its area”. This ability overrides any issues around Planning Consent required in relation to cameras and signage. However, it is understood the Government is considering using its veto under the appropriate Act as the proposal may be inconsistent with national transport policy.

4. It is confirmed that the London Borough of Havering has been in contact with other outer London Boroughs, but the legal opinion is that the chances of success in opposing the scheme is rated low, at best.

5. It is felt that the impact on outer London boroughs such as Havering, has not been properly considered, bearing in mind that staff needs to drive into the borough for work including health and social care staff, Police, and many other key public sector workers who are often some of the lowest paid workers. There is no support for these employees who travel into Havering daily and it is feared that many will look elsewhere to work as they will not be able to afford the additional financial burden. It is already very hard to recruit people for these services and this could leave to a future shortage of staff in key areas.

6. For many residents, their car is their lifeline to keep in contact with family and friends to avoid social isolation and maintain their health and wellbeing. Havering Chamber of Commerce and Industry

7. Havering is one of the biggest boroughs in London and travelling north to south by public transport is very difficult. Havering is not like inner London boroughs which have much better connections. As a result, our public transport network must be improved and we need more transport options to help mitigate against ULEZ if it is introduced. The current offer does not meet the strategic needs of Havering.

8. Legally, it seems that the only reasonable option to stop/delay the ULEZ expansion is if the Government uses its transport veto as per Section 143 GLA Act (1999).

It would therefore be interesting to see what transpires.

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