London has become the world’s largest pollution charging area after the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULGE) has been extended to cover the entire capital, reports Breaking News.
People driving in the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emission standards must now pay a daily charge of £12.50, or face a penalty of £180, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has faced strong opposition to the scheme, although the £160m scheme run by Transport for London (TfL) does not allow residents, small businesses, sole proprietors or charities to apply for grants.
There have been regular protests against the plan, and anti-Ulage militants have repeatedly attacked surveillance cameras installed in the new area in recent months.
Videos have surfaced online of people cutting Blade Runner camera cables or completely removing devices.
The Metropolitan Police said they had recorded 288 camera-related crimes as of August 1, reports Breaking News.
Woolley’s expansion has become a political issue, being blamed for Labor’s defeat in Uxbridge and South Ruislip parliamentary by-elections last month.
In an interview with the PA news agency, the Labour mayor said: “The vast majority of Londoners want to see clean air and I recognise there are some Londoners with genuine concerns. My job is to try and address those concerns and I have been doing that,” reports Breaking News.
He said: “It was this government that gave financial support to cities like Bristol, Birmingham and Portsmouth towards their clean air zones. If clean air is right for them then why isn’t clean air right for London?” reports Breaking News.
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