Almost 700,000 vehicles will have to stay outside in the future – or pay money for the journey: the British government has declared the capital an environmental zone.
Accompanied by sharp criticism from the conservative British government, the London environmental zone was extended to the entire city area on Tuesday. Mayor Sadiq Khan defended his actions. Not only people in the city center, but all Londoners have a right to clean air, said the Social Democrat Labor Party politician to the BBC.
Khan told Times Radio it was not an anti-car or anti-motorist policy. 90 percent of all vehicles already met the emission requirements that entitle the holder to enter the site free of charge. 160 million pounds are available for conversions or new purchases.
Tourists must register in advance
Recently, only vehicles that meet certain emission standards are allowed to drive to and through London free of charge. An estimated 690,000 vehicles in London alone do not currently meet the requirements. According to the new rules, your drivers will have to pay £12.50 (a good €14.50) a day. Failure to do so will result in a fine of up to £180. Tourists also have to be careful: even if their vehicles are environmentally friendly, they have to register in advance.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper accused Khan of wanting to plug the capital’s budget hole by expanding the Ulta-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). “It’s not about air pollution, it’s about raising money,” Harper told GB News.
The London environmental zone was decided by then Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson. According to observers, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Tories are now severely criticizing the expansion in order to win votes from motorists in the general election planned for 2024. Labor is currently in the lead in polls. Residents in London have repeatedly protested against the expansion. Around 300 surveillance cameras have been destroyed or stolen in recent months.
Source: Stern

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