Havering Full Council Meeting Ends With Police Being Called.

Protesters gathered outside the Town Hall on Wednesday (22 March) to make their voices heard against the impending ULEZ expansion this August. This expansion, or tax on motorists as many are calling it, has been very emotive for many who ultimately feel that their voices are not being heard and that their freedom is being taken away.

The Havering Anti ULEZ group is there to represents the voice of the many who face life changing decisions. Michelle from the group told the Havering Daily:”We are not far right wingers, we are not anti vaxers, we are the voice of the many who face horrendous decisions because of this. Those who will lose their job, face business closures, disabled people who cannot use public transport and cannot afford a ULEZ compliant vehicle. The list is long and our concern is that our freedom is being taken away.”

Protesters arrived with loud speakers and drums to make sure their voices were heard as councillors arrive at the full council meeting.

Conservative councillors working with the Havering Against ULEZ action group were calling on the council to join forces with the five boroughs who have launched a judicial review against ULEZ.

Protesters entered the chamber to watch the full council meeting but left in protest when Councillor Judith Holt presented the petition. Michelle told the Havering Daily: We were in the public gallery. Several councillors were reading out petitions by local residents. Councillor Judith Holt was reading out our petition for Havering people against ULEZ when she was shut down.”

An email has been sent in complaint of Councillor Holt’s unfair treatment by councillors in the chamber.

The email states:

“We were disgusted at the behaviour we witnessed as well as the contempt for the people you serve, we felt we were unable to remain for the duration of the meeting.

“I respectfully request that you communicate our experience of the meeting to all those present and hope that they treat the petition and the request of its thousands of signatories, whom they are there to serve, with the respect they deserve.”

Councillor Holt told the Havering Daily: “I was delighted to present the petition of almost 3,000 signatures to Full Council on behalf of of Havering Against ULEZ-but disappointed that I was cut short by the Mayor from finishing my statement, neither was any effort made to stop audible criticism by other councillors.

“Nonetheless, I am here to represent my residents and I wish Havering Against ULEZ every success.”

Protesters were then unable to re enter the meeting and one angry resident began banging on the doors to be able to enter the chamber.

Emotions ran high on the night with protesters feeling very angry and upset, they were locked out of the chamber and then informed that they could return, however access was still denied.

Police was then called and arrived as many protesters were leaving the Town Hall.

ULEZ has had a very emotive impact on many, they ultimately feel unheard and their freedom is being taken away from them.

Michelle finished: “Of course we all want clean air, but what about those that are going to lose their business, their livelihood?”

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