In London, the controversial extension of the tax for polluting vehicles comes into force

The controversial extension of the tax on the most polluting vehicles in London comes into force on Tuesday, but the promises of better air quality in the British capital come up against the reluctance of the inhabitants in the midst of the crisis of the cost of the life.

Restricted to central London when it was introduced in 2019, the ULEZ zone (ultra low emission zone), whose objective is to ensure better air quality for the inhabitants, had already been considerably widened in 2021 and is extended Tuesday to all of Greater London.

But the project, led by the Labor mayor of London Sadiq Khan in the midst of the cost of living crisis in the United Kingdom, is criticized by many residents.

The Labor opposition, which largely dominates in the polls, even paid for it at the polls recently, losing when it was given favorite in a local ballot in a constituency concerned by the extension of the tax.

Labor leader Keir Starmer then asked Sadiq Khan to “reflect” on his decision to expand the ULEZ area, saying it had “undoubtedly” cost Labor the election.

For some observers, the extension of the tax could have consequences for environmental policy in the United Kingdom, whose long-term objectives collide with the short-term priorities of voters, in particular their purchasing power.

– Air quality –

But despite criticism, lawsuits and sabotage – hundreds of ULEZ cameras have been vandalized in recent months according to police – Sadiq Khan is staying the course.

Demonstration against the extension of the ULEZ zone in London, July 28, 2023 (AFP/Archives/HENRY NICHOLLS)

“We cannot afford to ignore the situation when it comes to responding to a public health emergency or a climate emergency,” the mayor said in early August.

After the failure of a legal action against the extension of the tax, he was pleased by estimating that his project would allow “five million additional Londoners” to breathe “cleaner air”. With this extension, the ULEZ will cover an area of ​​nine million inhabitants.

According to a 2022 report, air pollution caused 1,700 hospitalizations in London between 2017 and 2019.

Drivers of petrol cars generally manufactured before 2006 (Euro 4 standard) and diesel vehicles generally manufactured before 2015 (Euro 6 standard) must pay 12.50 pounds (14.80 euros) per day to enter the ULEZ zone, under penalty of paying a fine of 180 pounds.

For trucks and coaches, you have to pay 100 pounds (116 euros) per day. Taxis are exempt.

– Policy –

London City Hall has set up an aid program to allow residents to change their cars to less polluting vehicles before the tax comes into force.

A sign indicates the presence of an ULEZ camera in west London on July 22, 2023 (AFP/JUSTIN TALLIS)

In an interview with the PA agency on Sunday, Sadiq Khan said he was “disappointed” that the Conservative government is not funding part of this aid program, as it has done for other British cities.

“I’m disappointed that they (the Conservatives) seem to be using air pollution and climate change as political weapons,” he said.

The City of London “can be proud today,” responded Monday in a Greenpeace statement, welcoming the implementation of the extension of the tax.

“Instead of playing politics on such vital issues, (Prime Minister Rishi Sunak) should work with the Mayor of London to provide real financial support for working people who want to get rid of older and older vehicles. the most polluting.

© 2023 AFP

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