Hundreds of protesters gathered in London today to protest against the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez).
The protesters gathered in London’s Trafalgar Square, wearing distinctive jackets with ‘Free our Streets’ placards and fake number plates reading ‘No to Ulez’.
Protesters were also seen holding signs reading ‘Get Khan Out’ and ‘Take Back Democracy’.
It comes after a High Court ruling allowed four London boroughs to launch a legal challenge against London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans to extend the Ulez to all of Greater London.
But Mr Khan has said he is moving ahead with plans to expand the Ulez, which he says is necessary to tackle toxic air responsible for thousands of premature deaths every year.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in London today to protest against the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
The Ulez, which aims to reduce air pollution by charging drivers of older vehicles, covers the area within the North and South Ring.
But Mr Khan plans to expand it to all of Greater London on August 29 this year.
Drivers of older, polluting cars must pay £12.50 per day to use their vehicle in Greater London.
A £110 million scrapping scheme will also be introduced, designed to help eligible Londoners scrap their most polluting vehicles to prepare for the Ulez expansion.
Khan announced the plans last summer when it was welcomed by green groups, clean air campaigners and some businesses, but opposed by conservatives and a section of the public who argue suburbs don’t want it.
Four Conservative London boroughs – Hillingdon, Bexley, Bromley, Harrow – and Surrey County Council have since been allowed to challenge the policy in court.
Former Supreme Court Justice Sir Ross Cranston said the first ground was ‘doubtful but moot’ and the second was ‘on the point’.
He rejected three other claims for appeal, but the hearing will continue in July.
The Ulez, which aims to reduce air pollution by charging drivers of older vehicles, covers the area within the North and South Ring. But Mr Khan plans to expand it to all of Greater London on August 29 this year
The protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square, London, wearing high visibility jackets with ‘Free our streets’ placards and fake number plates reading ‘No to ULEZ’
Khan introduced the plan last summer when it was welcomed by green groups, clean air campaigners and some businesses, but opposed by conservatives and some of the public who argue suburbs don’t want it.
Drivers of older, polluting cars must pay £12.50 per day to use their vehicle in Greater London
Nick Rogers, transport spokesman for the City Hall Conservatives, told MailOnline: ‘The Supreme Court has now ruled that there is sufficient evidence that Sadiq Khan’s Ulez decision may have been illegal.
“The mayor clearly doesn’t have the legal grounds to go ahead with his Ulez tax schemes, which take money from charities, small businesses and low-income Londoners who can’t afford a new car.
“Sadiq Khan must do the right thing, immediately stop working on his Ulez expansion and explain his actions to the court.”
But a spokesperson for Mr Khan pointed out that three of the five claims submitted by the councils have already been rejected outright – and the demolition claim was only partially upheld on a single aspect.
The spokeswoman told MailOnline: ‘The mayor is pleased to see that the court has denied permission for the majority of the grounds. We will continue to vigorously defend his life-saving decision to expand the Ulez and will continue with preparations without delay.
It is a shame that some local authorities have chosen to take on this costly and misguided legal challenge rather than focus on the health of those they represent.
‘Every year around 4,000 Londoners die prematurely from air pollution. This is a health emergency and the mayor is not willing to stand by and do nothing as Londoners grow up with stunted lungs and are more at risk of heart disease, cancer and dementia because of our toxic air.”
Pictured: Two protesters stand in safety vests holding signs that say “stop zoning” and a fake license plate that reads “NO 2 ULEZ”
Pictured: A crowd of protesters holding placards and a banner in Trafalgar Square, London, today
Pictured: More protesters hold ‘No Ulez No Pay Per Mile’ and ‘Sack Khan’ signs at the demonstration today
