Five Councils Win Green Light to Battle Sadiq Khan’s Ulez Expansion
The fight against Sadiq Khan’s controversial Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expansion just got a major boost. Five London councils – Bexley, Bromley, Harrow, Hillingdon, and Surrey – have been given the green light to proceed with a judicial review to block the Mayor’s plan.
Legal Battle Heats Up Over Ulez Expansion
The current Ulez zone covers the area between the North and South Circular roads. But Khan wants to extend it to the entire Greater London area from August 29.
With a trial set for July, this judicial review could throw Khan’s rollout into doubt. Tory MP Louie French, representing Old Bexley and Sidcup, hailed the decision as a “big first win!” and blasted: #Khanmustgo.
Councils Take Aim at Toxic Air and “Buffer Zones”
The five boroughs claim the Mayor failed to properly consider alternatives like a “buffer zone” to reduce pollution. Permission for their scrappage claim was granted only on the condition the courts find this consideration “material.”
A council spokeswoman said their case was “on the cusp” of being arguable, but other parts of their claim were denied.
Khan’s Controversial Comments Fuel Fire
Khan’s harsh words have stirred outrage. He accused Nazis, conspiracy theorists, Covid deniers, and anti-vaxxers of infiltrating anti-Ulez protests. At a recent Ealing Town Hall meeting, he labelled some opponents “far-Right” and was heckled over it.
Meanwhile, former Mayor and Prime Minister Boris Johnson slammed the expansion as an “unfair tax grab” that will hit “hardworking families and businesses in outer London.”
The battle lines are now firmly drawn. With the July hearing looming, Khan’s Ulez plans face an uphill struggle as outer Londoners and their councils rally against the scheme.
