The boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, and Hillingdon, along with Surrey County Council, initiated legal action in February to contest the extension of ULEZ beyond the North and South Circular roads.
The case was allowed to proceed by a judge in April, who deemed certain aspects of the councils’ challenge to be arguable. The proposed ULEZ expansion would require drivers in outer London to pay a daily fee of £12.50 if their vehicles do not meet the required emissions standards. The expanded ULEZ would encompass areas in Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and Surrey.
The councils involved in the legal challenge argue that the relevant statutory requirements were not met, compliance rates in outer London were not adequately considered, and the proposed scrappage scheme was not subject to consultation. They also claim that the overall consultation process was flawed and that a cost-benefit analysis of the plan was not conducted.
The High Court has permitted the case to proceed based on two grounds: the legal basis for the ULEZ scheme and the scrappage scheme. A spokesperson for the mayor expressed satisfaction that the court had rejected most of the grounds put forth by the councils. The mayor’s office intends to vigorously defend the decision to expand the ULEZ and proceed with preparations without delay.
The hearing before Mr. Justice Swift is scheduled to commence at 10 am on Tuesday, and the judge is expected to deliver a ruling at a later date. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the expansion of the ULEZ and its impact on air pollution in London.
