Given the controversial nature of the now expanded Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), it shouldn’t come as much surprise that London residents are split almost evenly when it comes to their opinion of it.
According to a recent poll from YouGov, 47 per cent of Londoners support the ULEZ expansion, compared to 42 per cent opposing it. What people think varies dramatically based on area, too - in the centre of London, the figure for support rises to 62 per cent, with 26 per cent against.
Those in the middle of London, of course, have had a few years to get used to the original, pre-expansion ULEZ, are less likely to be reliant on personal transport such as a car or motorcycle for getting around, and are generally more wealthy. In contrast, 51 per cent of residents living in the expanded parts of ULEZ oppose it, nearly double the percentage of people in the middle of the capital, while 38 per cent support.
50 per cent of people surveyed reckoned London Mayor Sadiq Khan wasn’t giving enough support to owners of vehicles that fall foul of ULEZ, and even when restricted to Labour voters, that percentage was still a lofty 47 per cent.
This follows a previous ULEZ survey that showed nationwide, only one in three people were in favour of it and similar schemes, which are being rolled out in other UK cities including Birmingham.
London’s expanded ULEZ came into force on 29 August 2023. Motorcycles aren’t exempt from the scheme, as they are for the separate Congestion Charge. As a general rule, anyone riding a pre-Euro3 bike will need to pay a daily fee for driving within any of the capital’s boroughs. This amounts to £12.50 per day, and failing to do so is an expensive affair - the fine is £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days.
