Sadiq Khan to more than double size of London’s clean air zone | Environment | The Guardian

New mayor of London calls air pollution ‘our biggest environmental challenge’ and plans to bring the increased ultra low emission zone into force early

Source: Sadiq Khan to more than double size of London’s clean air zone | Environment | The Guardian

 Khan plans to extend the clean air zone beyond the congestion charge zone to reach as far as the north and south circulars. Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

The new mayor of London Sadiq Kahn has made his first major policy announcement, unveiling plans to substantially increase the size of London’s clean air charging zone to tackle the capital’s illegal air pollution levels.

The Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) – which could also now come into force earlier than planned – will require drivers of the 2.5m oldest and dirtiest vehicles to pay a charge. Owners of cars that fail to meet the standards will pay a £12.50 charge, separate to the congestion charge.

The scheme is intended to act as an incentive to drivers to use cleaner vehicles or alternative transport to reduce the levels of nitrogen dioxide, a toxic gas produced by diesel vehicles.