Ulez border concerns persist three years after expansion

Three years after the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expanded to encompass all London boroughs, businesses and residents situated on the scheme's periphery continue to express significant concerns. The £12.50 daily charge remains a point of contention for many, although some have adapted to its presence.

Impact on border businesses

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The Ulez expansion on 29 August 2023 placed areas such as Dartford and Swanley in Kent, and Epsom and Staines in Surrey, on the boundary of the zone. Businesses operating on either side of this boundary have reported difficulties for customers facing the daily charge. Natalie Potter, owner of a beauty salon in Crayford, within the London borough of Bexley, described the initial months after the expansion as "quite damaging" for her business. She noted that clients unable to afford new vehicles due to the charge opted for services in nearby Dartford. While her business has since recovered and regained clientele, the initial impact was substantial. Campaigners had previously damaged Ulez cameras in opposition to the scheme, as reported by BBC London.

Pam Manwaring, a director at Orchard Garage in Dartford, outside the Ulez zone, stated that customers continue to complain about the charge. She highlighted that residents living close to the London boundary have limited alternatives to driving. While her garage initially saw a rise in custom from drivers avoiding the charge, this effect has now stabilised. Manwaring added that Dartford residents pay the charge but do not experience the intended air quality benefits, citing worsening traffic congestion and pollution from the Dartford Tunnel and crossing. She also pointed to inadequate public transport as a significant issue, leaving residents with no choice but to use their cars.

Air quality and health benefits

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Transport for London (TfL) maintains that the Ulez scheme has led to improvements in air quality both within and beyond the capital. Lucy Hayward-Speight, TfL's head of transport policy, acknowledged the frustration of individuals outside London who have less access to public transport. She mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance public transport nationwide and noted the potential of the £2 bus fare cap to encourage greater bus usage. Hayward-Speight also referred to the extensive rail network and available bus services connecting to and from London.

Ruth Fitzharris, a campaigner with Mums for Lungs, described the expansion as a "massive success" that has yielded significant health benefits. She reported that her child, who has asthma, has shown improvement, though she acknowledged the difficulty in attributing this solely to Ulez. Recent research involving over 3,400 children in London and Luton has provided strong evidence that local clean-air zones can mitigate pollution-related harm. Researchers expressed surprise at the speed at which children's lung health began to recover following Ulez's introduction. Hayward-Speight called Ulez a "pioneering scheme that saved lives".

What happens next

TfL stated that funding limitations prevented the extension of its scrappage scheme beyond the capital, despite acknowledging the desire to do so. The organisation continues to promote public transport improvements across the country.