London mayor Sadiq Khan has pledged to push ahead with his plans for an expanded ultra low emission zone (ULEZ), after securing victory in the High Court over a legal challenge by five Conservative-led councils.
The court dismissed the legal challenge over the expansion from outer London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow and Hillingdon, and Surrey county council.
The boroughs argued that Labour mayor Khan had failed to adequately consult, overstepped his powers, and had provided a flawed £110m scrappage scheme.
Summarising his findings, Mr Justice Swift said: 'I am satisfied that the mayor’s decision to expand the Ulez area by amendment of the present road charging scheme, rather than by making an entirely new ... scheme, was within his powers.'
The judge added that he was satisfied that enough information was given for people who wished to respond to the ULEZ consultation to provide 'informed responses'.
He also found that the scrappage scheme consultation was 'lawful' although it was 'not in depth'.
Mr Khan said: 'This landmark decision is good news as it means we can proceed with cleaning up the air in outer London on 29 August.
The decision to expand the Ulez was very difficult and not something I took lightly and I continue to do everything possible to address any concerns Londoners may have.
The Ulez has already reduced toxic nitrogen dioxide air pollution by nearly half in central London and a fifth in inner London. The coming expansion will see five million more Londoners being able to breathe cleaner air.
'I’ve been listening to Londoners throughout the Ulez rollout, which is why from next week I am expanding the scrappage scheme to nearly a million families who receive child benefit and all small businesses with up to 50 employees. I will continue to look at new ideas to support Londoners.'
Drivers of vehicles that do not meet the Ulez standards – typically petrol cars from before 2006 and diesels registered before 2015 – have to pay £12.50 a day when they enter the zone.
