PLANS to widen a traffic eco scheme will wipe £500million a year from the capital’s economy, researchers claim.
London mayor Sadiq Khan wants to extend the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to the M25 from August.
2
2
It will cost the city’s economy another £369million on top of the £253million caused by the existing scheme, the Centre for Economics and Business Research warns.
Howard Cox, of lobbying group FairFuel — which commissioned the research — said the expansion “not only fleeces drivers, sole traders, and low-income motorists, it also rips at least half a billion out of the capital’s economy per year.”
Only newer vehicles which meet stricter standards on emissions will avoid paying a daily charge of £12.50 — which is expected to hit an extra 1.2 million cars.
The penalty for those who don’t pay will rise from £160 to £180.
It will see City Hall rake in millions of pounds in extra fees.
Tory MP Craig Mackinlay said: “This is all about money for a failed administration wrapped up in greenwash.”
FairFuel claims vans will be 4.5 times harder hit than cars by the move.
A spokesperon for the Mayor said FairFuel’s claims were flawed and ignored the positive impact to business of the £110million scrappage scheme and economic benefits of improving Londoners’ health.
They added: “Policies to help a further five million Londoners breathe cleaner air are essential.”
