The Mayor of London has launched the second phase of his consultation on proposed measures to improve air quality in the Capital.
The consultation phase, which runs until 18 December, invites the public to comment on detailed proposals for an Emission Surcharge payable by drivers whose vehicles do not meet stipulated conditions when driving in the Congestion Zone. It also asks for feedback on the possible earlier introduction of an Ultra Low Emissions Zone and its possible enlargement to take in the whole area between the North and South Circular Roads.
A detailed summary of the ideas being consulted on is on the TfL website. The introduction section is reproduced below.
New proposals to improve Air Quality - Have your say on the introduction of a new Emissions Surcharge and ideas for improving Ultra Low Emission Zone
Overview
Air pollution is one of the most a significant challenges facing London. The equivalent of around 9,400 deaths per year in London are attributed to air quality related illnesses. Soon after his election in May this year, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, called for new proposals to urgently tackle London’s current poor air quality.
The Mayor invited Londoners to share their experiences and ideas about improving air quality, and asked for their views on the measures he was proposing. Approximately 15,000 people responded to this consultation, and the majority of people were broadly supportive of the proposed measures. The results of the consultation are available to view by visiting http://talklondon.london.gov.uk/blogs/talk-london-team/results-clean-air-consultation.
We have now developed detailed proposals for the implementation of the Emissions Surcharge (ES), and ideas for improving the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
The first of these proposals is to introduce the ES (more commonly known as the ‘T-Charge’) in 2017, for the older, more polluting vehicles driving into and within central London. This would be in addition to the Congestion Charge.
This consultation contains detailed statutory proposals for the ES. The introduction of the ES will involve changes to the current Congestion Charge Scheme order, subject to this consultation. The Mayor will consider representations received and decide whether or not to approve them (with or without modifications) in early 2017.
We are also seeking your views on the following ideas:
- Bringing forward the introduction of the ULEZ to 2019, instead of 2020
- Extending the ULEZ from Central London to Londonwide for heavy vehicles (heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), buses and coaches), as early as 2019, but possibly later; and
- Extending the ULEZ from Central London up to the North and South Circular roads for all vehicles[1], as early as 2019, but possibly later.
There is also a 100-page consultation and information document.
Related Links
Full Consultation and Information Document (102 pages)
