In a bid to create cleaner, healthier air for Londoners, the Mayor, in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL), has unveiled a major expansion of the £110m Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme.
The new changes, taking effect from the end of July, are set to benefit thousands of small businesses and families across the city.
What’s New in the Expansion
The highlight of this expansion is the inclusion of all Londoners receiving child benefit, and all small businesses in the capital registered with fewer than 50 employees.
As part of these changes, charities operating in London will have the option to scrap or retrofit up to three vans or minibuses, up from the current limit of one.
To further accommodate the needs of Londoners, a grace period has been established for sole traders, micro-businesses, small businesses, and registered charities who have either ordered brand-new compliant vehicles but have been informed of a delayed delivery, or if they have booked an approved retrofit appointment for a non-compliant light van or minibus before the 29th of August.
Looking at the Numbers
London is home to 874,710 families in receipt of child benefit, and this move will extend the financial support to transition away from polluting vehicles.
Small businesses, particularly those registered in London with fewer than 50 employees, stand to benefit from these changes.
Understanding the Current State of Compliance
The latest data shows a promising trend; nine out of ten cars and around eight out of ten vans seen driving in the zone on an average day are already ULEZ-compliant.
The expanded scrappage scheme is part of a concerted effort to help non-compliant vehicles transition to greener alternatives.
Feedback and Response
The Mayor’s decision to expand the scheme follows several months of listening to feedback and the expressed need for more support.
The expansion aims to facilitate as many Londoners as possible in their transition to cleaner vehicles.
The Impact of ULEZ
Research shows the Mayor’s air quality policies, particularly the ULEZ and Low Emission Zone (LEZ) schemes, are having a significant impact on reducing the number of older, more polluting vehicles in London and the levels of harmful air pollution.
With the upcoming ULEZ Scrappage Scheme expansion, it’s expected that the benefits of ultra low emission zones will extend to more Londoners and improve the city’s overall air quality.
Future Projections
Looking ahead, the expanded scheme will play a pivotal role in achieving London’s climate goals. Londoners will be incentivised to make cleaner transport choices, and several deals and offers will be promoted to encourage the use of less-polluting modes of transport.
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