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London mayor Sadiq Khan accused the Government of “weaponising air pollution” ahead of his expansion of the capital’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez). In an interview with the PA news agency, the Labour mayor said he was “disappointed” at the lack of Government support for the policy and its accompanying scrappage scheme. From Tuesday, the Ulez will be expanded to include the whole of the capital, making it the world’s largest pollution charging area. People who drive in the zone in a vehicle that does not meet minimum emissions standards are required to pay a £ daily fee or risk a £180 fine, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. Commentator James Melville tells TalkTV’s Kevin O’Sullivan that the ULEZ expansion is “draconian, cruel and badly thought out.” “Labour have got the election in the palm of their hands if they want it, but they are seeking almost any way possible to destroy their own chances.” Some opponents of Ulez expansion claim the policy is aimed at generating money for TfL and criticised the mayor for introducing it during the cost of living crisis. But Mr Khan said: “I am quite clear in relation to the evidence I have seen that the consequences of air pollution is heartbreaking when you have spent time with a bereaved mum. “It’s really heartbreaking when you get an in-patients ward and see the consequences of air pollution, but also it is inspiring to see that some of these policies can transform people’s lives.” #talktv #talkradio #ulez #london #sadiqkhan
