It’s been another busy month, however most pressing on my mind at the time of writing is the disgraceful decision taken by the Labour London Mayor to extend the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) from August 2023.
It will mean a daily charge of £12.50 for those who wish to drive into London to travel to and from work, visit their loved ones and go about day-to-day life. For instance, residents living in Halstead could be faced with a charge to visit their doctor’s surgery in Chelsfield, as could people in Swanley when travelling to St Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup.
Vehicles impacted will include diesel cars registered before September 2015, and most vans registered before September 2016. Cars with petrol engines will not be liable for the charge if registered in 2006 or later (nor in some instances if registered between 2001 – 2005, depending on the model).
For drivers who use their car every day, this will mean they face a bill of up to £4,500 a year. It is simply unacceptable.
The ULEZ proposal was initially consulted on over the summer, and I responded - as I know many of you did it – in strong opposition. However, it seems this process was simply a publicity stunt. Despite TfL themselves acknowledging the “overwhelming opposition” to the extension of the scheme, with 70% of outer Londoners saying no to the ULEZ extension, as well as 80% of businesses, the Mayor has ignored the voice of local people.
I want to be clear; of course, I want to see improved air quality. It is important both for both public health, and the environment. But the expansion of the ULEZ zone is the wrong way to achieve that, especially as TfL's own estimates have already said it would have little to no impact on air quality in outer London.
Many residents across Sevenoaks and Swanley are rightly angry and worried. But I will continue to fight Khan's disastrous proposal every step of the way, alongside our Conservative councillors and neighbouring Conservative MPs – just as we did with our successful campaign against his planned boundary tax floated earlier this year.
I am meeting next week with the Roads Minister to discuss how to stop such plans being enforced and will be posting updates on my Facebook page. Sadiq Khan has no right to impose a charge on non-London residents. The plan must be scrapped.
You should have all also received this month my latest Reporting Back leaflet, which recaps both the work I have been doing, as well as my plan for next year. On the reverse of the leaflet was a chance to feedback to me your local priorities. A huge thank you to the many of you who have already replied, if you are yet to respond, please do drop me an email at [email protected]. I want to work on the issues that matter most to you so please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley
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