Extinction Rebellion Founder Slams Ulez Expansion as ‘Unfair’ to Workers
Roger Hallam, founder of climate activist group Extinction Rebellion, has blasted the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) expansion across Greater London. He claims the plan hits low-paid workers hardest.
Ulez Expansion Set to Hit Drivers with Daily £12.50 Charge
From August 29, the Ulez will cover all of Greater London. The scheme charges £12.50 a day to motorists with vehicles that don’t meet strict emissions standards, aiming to cut air pollution.
Hallam Targets ‘Urban Middle-Class Neo-Liberal Left’ for Backing Scheme
Taking to social media, Hallam accused supporters—mostly the “urban middle-class neo-liberal Left”—of ignoring how Ulez hits essential workers who rely on their vehicles for work. He warned it’s unfair to those providing vital services across the capital.
He also pointed out that many critics share the same climate concerns as supporters but accuse them of lacking sensitivity and self-awareness.
Alternative Plan: Tax the Rich to Fund Green Transport
Ahead of an anti-Ulez protest in Bromley, where several cars ended up with slashed tyres and police had to step in, Hallam proposed a different solution. He suggests taxing the richest 1%—city traders and lawyers—to pay for the switch to non-polluting vehicles.
“This would ease the financial squeeze on workers while pushing green transport forward,” Hallam argued.
Ulez Debate Highlights Need for Inclusive Climate Policies
Critics like Hallam stress that those affected by Ulez care about climate change too. They urge policymakers to listen to all voices to build fairer, more inclusive environmental measures.
As the Ulez expansion rumbles on, the fierce debate shows just how tricky balancing pollution cuts with social fairness can be.
