Romford MP calls on Transport Secretary’s eleventh hour intervention on the ULEZ expansion.
Andrew Rosindell MP has written an urgent letter to The Rt Hon. Mark Harper M.P., Secretary of State for Transport, expressing, once again, his deep concerns over the impending expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (U.L.E.Z.) scheme in Greater London. The expansion, set to take effect as from tomorrow 29th August, has stirred significant unease amongst his constituents in Romford.
In his letter, Rosindell highlights the potential adverse impact the ULEZ expansion could have on local residents, particularly those in Romford and Hornchurch. He notes that the financial burden of the scheme might hinder constituents’ ability to visit family members, attend medical appointments, and support local businesses. The looming policy change has led to fears of business closures due to unforeseen transport costs and a predicted reduction in footfall.
Mr Rosindell emphasises that the policy will not only affect the people of Romford and Hornchurch but also extend its repercussions to towns and villages neighbouring Havering that fall outside the Greater London boundary. Residents driving across the border would still be subject to the ULEZ charges, causing significant distress to individuals who did not vote for or have any say in the policy.
The Romford MP draws attention to the Greater London Authority Act 1999, Section 143, which grants the Secretary of State for Transport the authority to intervene and block the scheme if it is deemed detrimental to areas outside Greater London. Rosindell makes a strong case that the ULEZ expansion will indeed be detrimental, requesting Harper to utilise his powers to prevent the implementation of the policy.
Furthermore, Mr Rosindell points out that the ULEZ policy seems particularly unjust given the prevailing good air quality and emission levels in Havering, which contrasts with inner London boroughs. He expresses concern for the wider Essex region, as businesses may face financial strain due to increased transportation costs and a subsequent loss of customers from the ULEZ area.
Concluding the letter, Mr Rosindell calls on the Secretary of State for Transport to urgently intervene and use his powers to halt or at least delay the ULEZ expansion until after the Mayoral elections in May 2024. He appeals to the government to consider the overwhelming opposition to the scheme in his constituency and the current challenging financial climate.
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Mark Harper and Rishi Sunak have previously ruled out an intervention as they have taken legal advice and been told that if they try to put a stop to this they are unlikely to win a legal challenge by Khan, as he has in effect the right to do what he likes.
However, as Khan’s justification for this scheme is built on a foundation of lies, manipulations and more lies and the minimal improvement in air quality and therefore the very minimal improvement in health anticipated is completely outweighed by the negative health consequences, the financial and mental devastation being inflicted on so many people, I cannot believe that any legal challenge by the Government cannot win.
But at the very least it would kick this into the long grass, it would give people a break and with luck push it past the next Mayoral election and give us a chance to chuck this rogue Mayor out of office, Quite franky with everything that has come to light in recent weeks and months he should be being investigated by the police for fraud and corruption.
With a view to voting him out, please consider supporting the parliamentary petition, Give everyone within the M25 a vote for London Mayor and GLA member https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/634216
“The Romford MP draws attention to the Greater London Authority Act 1999, Section 143, which grants the Secretary of State for Transport the authority to intervene and block the scheme if it is deemed detrimental to areas outside Greater London.”
ULEZ is a benefit to areas fringing London because fewer clapped out cars will be on the roads