Critics of Mayor Sadiq Khan have labeled the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) a ‘money-making fraud’ as the Conservative candidate for the mayoral race came under heavy criticism on Monday. Data from City Hall, released last week, revealed that Transport for London (TfL) earned over £8.8 million in fines in just six weeks through the enforcement of the ULEZ rules.
The expansion of the ULEZ, which broadened its reach to cover all of London back in September, resulted in the issuance of a total of 97,786 fines during its first six weeks of operation. ULEZ fines are levied on drivers operating non-compliant vehicles within the zone without paying the mandated £12.50 daily fee.
Howard Cox, standing as the London mayoral candidate for Reform UK, described ULEZ as a “dishonest money-making fraud,” alleging that Mr. Khan was using the scheme to unfairly penalize motorists. He accused Mr. Khan of exploiting small businesses and low-income drivers, calling ULEZ “a dishonest money-making fraud, pure and simply.”
Reform UK, formerly known as The Brexit Party, is a center-right political party that challenges mainstream political narratives. The Conservative members of the GLA claimed that the mayor was not being honest about his “true intentions.” Critics like Mr. Cox still claim that the scheme is in place on Mr. Khan’s agenda.
The scheme was subject to scrutiny by Conservative member of the General London Assembly (GLA), Peter Fortune in November. However, Conservative members of the GLA accused the mayor of not being honest about his “true intentions.” Susan Hall, the Conservative Party’s candidate for mayor, criticized the expansion as a “cash grab,” accusing Mr. Khan of exploiting Londoners, particularly the less affluent.
A spokesperson for Mr. Khan defended the ULEZ expansion, emphasizing its role in combating air pollution and protecting public health. They pointed out that the revenue generated is reinvested in the city’s transport network and that 95 percent of vehicles now meet the clean air standards. The mayor’s office also highlighted the availability of a scrappage scheme, supported by a £160 million fund, to help Londoners transition to compliant vehicles.